Women are building solid futures in trades at The Gordon

The future of trades is changing and women are leading the way at The Gordon.

With applications for 2026 now open, there’s never been a better time to kickstart your career in construction, automotive, electrical, engineering, horticulture and more. 

More women than ever are turning to The Gordon to gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to thrive in trades. From apprenticeships to short skills courses, the doors to new opportunities are wide open. 

Keep up to date with what is happening in and around regional Victoria here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Gordon | RTO 3044 (@the_gordon)

“We’re proud to be seeing more women picking up the tools, from school-based VET courses to apprenticeships and short skills programs,” said Andrew Bugeja, Director of Education Excellence – Industry, Trades and Environment at The Gordon. “This growth reflects a broader shift with more women curious, capable, and ready to explore careers in trades.” 

Electrical training is experiencing a surge in female participation, particularly through pre-apprenticeship and VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) pathways. Horticulture also continues to stand out, with women now making up more than a quarter of apprenticeship enrolments — one of the strongest representations across any trade. 

Women at The Gordon are already breaking ground in Carpentry, Plumbing, Automotive, Cabinet Making and Joinery, Bricklaying, Painting and Decorating, Collision Repair, Engineering, Electrical, and Horticulture. Plus, with new initiatives planned for 2025 and 2026, those opportunities are only set to grow. 

​

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Gordon | RTO 3044 (@the_gordon)

Last year saw the launch of The Gordon’s first Women in Automotive Life Skills course, giving 12 women hands-on training in vehicle maintenance and repair. Building on this success, new women-focused programs in Carpentry, Electrical, and Plumbing will roll out in late 2025 and early 2026. 

To help even more women take their first step, The Gordon is preparing women-only trade taster workshops — free, after-hours sessions where participants can “test-drive” tools and skills in a safe, inclusive environment, supported by expert trainers. 

“We’re not just opening the door — we’re creating new ones,” said Mr Bugeja. “It’s about sparking new journeys and helping women see themselves as part of the trade workforce.” 

Beyond training, The Gordon is building a female trades mentoring network and strengthening partnerships with local women-led businesses to connect students with role models, industry leaders, and future employment. 

For women thinking about their next step — whether it’s a first career, a career change, or simply building confidence with DIY, The Gordon has a pathway ready.  

Applications for 2026 are open now. Apply today and let’s make it happen.
Call 03 5225 0600 or visit thegordon.edu.au to explore your options.