ASA encourages school leavers to consider apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships Support Australia called on school leavers – especially young women – to consider apprenticeships and traineeships in industries crying out for skilled workers.

With skill shortages continuing to impact key industries across Australia, ASA is encouraging young people to look beyond traditional study options and explore hands-on careers that offer long-term stability, strong earning potential and real job outcomes. 

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, around half of all trade occupations are currently experiencing a national shortage, compared to 29% of all occupations overall. Many of the most affected roles sit within traditionally male-dominated industries.

The data also shows that diversity plays an important role in addressing workforce gaps. Industries with greater gender balance and broader participation tend to experience fewer shortages, while trades with low female representation remain some of the hardest roles to fill. 

Despite an almost 80% increase since 2019, women still make up just 2% of qualified trade workers in industries facing major skill shortages, including construction, electrotechnology and automotive.

This gap represents a significant opportunity for young women to step into secure, well-paid and future-focused careers, while helping to address Australia’s growing skills needs.

Check out some of our recent media coverage below, including a radio clip from Sydney's 2SM 1269: