Australia is on the brink of a significant skills shortage in the trades sector as workers are increasingly leaving their careers due to inadequate onsite facilities. Industry experts estimate that an additional 90,000 workers will be needed by 2029 to meet the national demand for new housing. However, a critical issue is causing many to reconsider their futures in the industry: the lack of access to toilets and change rooms.
This issue, highlighted by a 2019 report from the non-profit Tradeswomen Australia, is a major gender barrier in the trades. Logan DeRuyter-Barnett, a Tasmanian electrician, experienced the problem firsthand at the age of 17. Nearing the end of a job, she found herself without access to a toilet, as the worksite’s facilities had been moved for landscaping, leaving her without options.
“There wasn’t a chance to confide in anyone,” she recalls. “It was an ‘oh s***’ moment.” Left with no alternative, she was forced to wet herself, a moment she describes as one of her lowest. This incident led her to avoid drinking water onsite, resulting in headaches and migraines, and exacerbated anxiety around finding a toilet, which intensified her menstrual irregularities.
Gender Barriers in the Trades
DeRuyter-Barnett’s experience is not unique. Fellow tradie Jasmyn Smith shares similar stories of inadequate facilities. Portable toilets, when available, often lack running water or sanitary bins and are sometimes used as storage by male colleagues. This has forced women like Smith to work in bloodied pants during their periods or make do with wadded toilet paper.
The number of women in skilled trades remains stagnant at around 3 to 4 percent, despite an 80 percent increase in female apprentices since 2019. Clea Smith, CEO of Tradeswomen Australia, emphasizes that the issue is not a lack of interest from women. “Women are putting their hand up,” she says, pointing out that inaccessible toilets and inadequate PPE are symbols of broader gender inequality in the industry.
“It’s easy to think about being onsite with no toilet … but the same types of barriers are occurring at every level of the system.” – Clea Smith, CEO of Tradeswomen Australia
A study focusing on women in construction in New South Wales found that 53 percent had experienced sexual harassment at work, and 71 percent of women in smaller businesses reported gender-based discrimination. These cultural microaggressions contribute to a hostile work environment, leading many women to leave the industry.
Innovative Solutions and Industry Responses
In response to these challenges, DeRuyter-Barnett and Smith have developed the GO bag, a compact pack containing essential sanitary items designed to help women manage the lack of facilities discreetly. The initiative aims to eliminate the awkwardness of having to ask for basic necessities.
The Electrical Trades Union’s (ETU) Nowhere To Go campaign is also drawing attention to the lack of adequate facilities for women in the industry. Gaynor Maree, the ETU’s national affirmative action officer, calls the disparity “ridiculous” and stresses the importance of inclusive facilities for all workers.
“It’s about people feeling included and like they belong. If facilities aren’t provided and maintained to support all workers, workers will feel excluded, which always makes it harder to do the job.” – Gaynor Maree, ETU
The ETU’s Big Sister program is another effort to boost retention through training and mentoring for women in the electro-technology and clean energy sectors. With an estimated need for 42,500 more electricians by 2030, Maree emphasizes the necessity of embracing the full potential of the workforce, including women.
Future Prospects and Industry Change
Construction giant Multiplex is among the companies recognizing the critical role women play in the trades. With over 1,500 Australian employees, Multiplex has implemented programs targeting female participation from early childhood to mid-career, ensuring a balanced gender intake in new hires.
Belinda Abbott, senior HR manager for Multiplex’s NSW/ACT branches, highlights the importance of listening to employees and removing everyday barriers. The company’s initiatives include adding sanitary items to toilets and providing PPE that accommodates pregnant workers.
“These attraction and retention initiatives really only succeed when they’re paired with a culture that is genuinely going to support women’s success in the business.” – Belinda Abbott, Multiplex
As DeRuyter-Barnett and Smith continue their careers, they note a gradual shift in industry attitudes. However, they acknowledge that significant change is still needed to create a truly inclusive environment for women in the trades.
The ABC’s Trailblazers program offers a platform for individuals and groups working on projects to improve regional Australia, providing media support, networking, and mentorship opportunities. As the industry evolves, initiatives like these are crucial in fostering a more equitable future for all workers.
