Tradeswomen Australia Foundation Ltd is an Australian nonprofit organisation dedicated to increasing the representation and success of women in skilled trade roles, traditionally male-dominated industries. Established initially in 2013 by women working in trades, the foundation aims to address significant gender imbalances and barriers women face in entering and sustaining careers in trades[4].

Mission and Objectives

The foundation's core mission is to empower women, including girls and non-binary individuals, to access, participate, and succeed in trades by fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive workplaces. It works toward gender equality and aims to enhance the participation rate of women in the trades workforce, which has historically remained at around 2% nationally[1][2][4]. The organisation also seeks to educate the broader community and employers to create environments that welcome and support women tradespeople.

Activities and Programs

Tradeswomen Australia Foundation Ltd offers a variety of programs and services, including:

• Trades workshops and information sessions designed to provide practical career support.
• Access to qualified employers and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Gender diversity and inclusion training for workplaces within the trades sector.
• Research and advocacy on the barriers women face in trades and strategies to overcome them.
• Large-scale culture change projects aimed at improving social attitudes and workplace norms to encourage women's participation in trades[1][2][4].

The organisation collaborates with community partners, employers, and supporters to build an ecosystem that supports women through coaching, mentoring, and career development initiatives[4].

Organisational Structure

Tradeswomen Australia Foundation Ltd operates alongside the Tradeswomen Australia Group, with the latter encompassing the Foundation and related entities such as the Tradeswomen Australia Community Foundation. The Foundation is a registered not-for-profit charity and deductible gift recipient, governed by a board appointed through the Tradeswomen Australia structure[2].

Impact and Recognition

Since its formation, Tradeswomen Australia Foundation Ltd has been instrumental in producing research reports that highlight persistent barriers limiting women's participation in core trades sectors such as construction, automotive, and electrical trades. It has drawn attention to the need for systemic change and has secured funding, including federal grants, to support initiatives aimed at increasing women’s involvement in emerging industries like clean energy[1][4].

The foundation's work has also been recognized through participation in national events and collaborations with industry bodies, helping to champion diversity, inclusion, and innovation within Australia's built environment and trades sectors[1].

Summary

Tradeswomen Australia Foundation Ltd plays a vital role in advocating for and supporting women in trades across Australia. Through education, advocacy, and direct support services, the organisation works to overcome longstanding gender disparities in the trades workforce and foster equitable career opportunities for women and non-binary people in skilled trades.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information from Tradeswomen Australia and affiliated sources.

[1] https://tradeswomenaus.com [2] https://tradeswomenaus.com/about-us/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/07aacbb7-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [4] https://www.agec.org.au/our-members/tradeswomen-australia/ [5] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/07aacbb7-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/737ac19b-ea83-ed11-81ac-00224893cef4