Women in trades

Find the right course for you

We offer a range of practical courses in building and construction, hospitality, beauty, plumbing and more to get you started in a sector with real job openings.

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There’s never been a better time to be a woman in trades.

If you love using your hands, solving problems, working in a team and seeing your hard work pay off, learning a trade could be your perfect career move.

At VU, you’ll fit right in with our diverse and inclusive group of students and staff. You’ll develop hands-on skills, learn in state-of-the-art facilities, and build industry connections to lay the foundations of a fantastic career.

Why consider a career in trades

There are good reasons why more women are joining the skilled trades industry. To name a few:

  • you can earn great money
  • your skills will always be in high demand
  • you can enjoy hands-on, practical work every day  
  • you can work flexible hours in all different locations 
  • you’ll have opportunities to run your own business
  • you can work anywhere, with a nationally-recognised qualification.
Tess, Cert III in Cabinetmaking student, working on a project
How a pre-apprenticeship can launch your trades career
A pre-apprenticeship lets you lay the foundations for an exciting career in trades.
Read more

Hear from our students

Jacinta Sapwell with VUP teacher.
Jacinta's interest in electronics helped forge a career
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician UEE30820
"The best thing about VU Polytechnic is the quality of teaching. The teachers are all very happy to help you out and enjoy sharing their knowledge."
The best thing about VU Polytechnic is the quality of teaching. The teachers are all very happy to help you out and enjoy sharing their knowledge.
Jacinta's story
Paris Doehmann
Keeping signs & graphics alive
Certificate III in Signs and Graphics CPC30216
"This signwriting apprenticeship came up and I thought, ‘This sounds way more exciting than sitting in a classroom and doing more exams.’"
This signwriting apprenticeship came up and I thought, ‘This sounds way more exciting than sitting in a classroom and doing more exams.’
Paris's story
Hannah Wigg
Plunging into a trades career
Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) 22569VIC
"It's an awesome time to get into a trade as a woman, because there's so much support out there at the moment."
It's an awesome time to get into a trade as a woman, because there's so much support out there at the moment.
Hannah's story

Support & community

As a proud partner of Tradeswomen Australia, we’re committed to empowering women in trades.

When you study with VU, you’ll be part of a passionate community and have access to support and resources to help set you up for success.

Some of the free support services we offer students include:

  • apprentice support for help with any challenges during your apprenticeship – in the workplace, training or your personal life.
  • learning hubs where you can get advice and guidance and improve your study and employability skills.
  • counselling services for confidential mental health support when you need someone to talk to.