Women are joining construction trades in record numbers across regional NSW, strengthening local workforces in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour as demand grows for housing, infrastructure, and major projects.
New data has revealed the increasingly critical role women are playing in the Armidale construction industry, helping grow the skilled workforce needed to deliver homes, infrastructure, and major projects across the state.
In the lead-up to Women in Construction Week (1–7 March) and International Women’s Day (8 March), the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) reported that the number of women in New South Wales enrolling in construction trades courses more than doubled in the five years to 2025.
In Port Macquarie-Hastings, construction contributes more than $2 billion in annual output and employs almost 3,400 people, according to Economy ID.
Among those helping meet local demand is Port Macquarie’s Breanna Alpen, 19, a second-year plumbing apprentice with Enjoy Plumbing.
A promising rugby union junior, Alpen discovered plumbing while working as a labourer to support her sporting ambitions.
“I was never really into school, but I was into my footy, and I got exposed to the trades while I was working a labouring job in Brisbane,” Alpen said.
“As I began to learn about plumbing, I just got addicted to it and when I returned back to Port, the first thing I did was look for an apprenticeship.
“I just love everything about the job; every day is different and I love being able to help people.”
Further north, Coffs Harbour is also seeing the impact. More than 4,100 people in the Coffs council area are employed in construction, making it the second-largest local industry by employment behind healthcare and social assistance, according to Economy ID.
Among the new intake is Coffs Harbour woman Casey Cowgill, 20, who was uncertain about her career path after leaving high school.
Despite being the daughter of a bricklayer, Cowgill had never considered a trades career but knew she did not want an office job.
The proud Dunghutti woman took a leap of faith into plumbing and is now a second-year apprentice with Emerald Beach Plumbing.
“I just knew I couldn’t sit in an office for the rest of my life and I’m so glad I made the decision to enter plumbing,” she said.
“My TAFE NSW teachers are so experienced and supportive, and I really would encourage any other young women considering a plumbing career to go for it.”
TAFE NSW Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Construction and Energy Jennifer Perkins, a qualified electrician, said increasing female participation was strengthening both the culture and capability of worksites.
“TAFE NSW is training the majority of women entering construction-based trades in the Mid-North Coast region, and increasing female participation isn’t just important, it’s essential to meeting industry demand and growing the workforce,” Perkins said.
“More women on worksites strengthens teams, boosts productivity, and supports the long-term future of the industry.”
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said lifting female participation in the trades was key to building a resilient, future-ready workforce.
“The construction industry needs more skilled workers, and supporting more women to enter, train, and thrive in the sector is critical to meeting that demand,” Whan said.
“TAFE NSW is supporting more women to train and succeed in trade-based jobs, proving that gender should not be a barrier to pursuing a rewarding, hands-on career.”
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