VET News

Gender Imbalance Contributes to Skills Shortages

For more than half of occupations in national shortage, women make up less than 20 per cent of their total workforce.

These occupations include Metal Fitters and Machinists (1% female workforce); Motor Mechanics (2% female workforce); Electricians (2% female workforce); Mining Engineers (14% female workforce); Construction Managers (14% female workforce); and Software and Applications Programmers (19% female workforce).

In contrast, for 14 per cent of occupations in national shortage, men make up less than 20 per cent of their total workforce.

These occupations include Early Childhood Teachers (2% male workforce); Child Carers (3% male workforce); and Registered Nurses (12% male workforce).

The analysis from JSA shows that shortages are less common in occupations that don’t have such a large gender imbalance in their workforce.

These occupations, where skills shortages are less common, include Solicitors (54% female workforce); Accountants (54% female workforce); Sales and Marketing Managers (58% male workforce); and Café and Restaurant Managers (54% female workforce).

According to Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, the data points to a systemic problem for workers, business, and the economy.

“It may sound obvious, but when half of the population fails to be considered, skills shortages in the workforce can be exacerbated. Acknowledging the gender imbalance in workplaces, behavioural barriers and improving workforce diversity in certain occupations will reduce the likelihood of skills shortages and open up the potential for improved wages and working conditions."

Read the full media release here.

Date posted Mar 8, 2023