Heddon Greta local Tahlia Kelly is advocating for increased female representation in trade industries as new data highlights persistent skilled labour shortages across residential construction. Figures from Jobs and Skills Australia show that women represent approximately one per cent of employed bricklayers in Australia, equating to fewer than 200 female qualified bricklayers nationwide.
The gender imbalance coincides with findings from the Housing Industry Association Trades Report, which identified bricklaying as recording the most acute labor shortage of any residential building trade, ahead of carpentry, plastering, and roofing. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, qualified bricklayers earn median annual incomes of approximately $120,000, supported by ongoing federal housing targets aiming to deliver 1.2 million new homes by 2030.
Tahlia initially worked as a bricklayer’s laborer for Ellaby Bricklaying after seeking a hands-on career, which led to a formal trade apprenticeship. She completed her practical qualification through TAFE NSW Tighes Hill, gaining skills in structural masonry and site operations.
Qualified bricklayer, Tahlia Kelly noted that the trade offers both financial independence and creative output across residential projects.
“I’ve always been really hands-on and I just love the physicality and how rewarding a trade like bricklaying is,” Tahlia said.
“You get to create a legacy that will last for hundreds of years and there’s more room for creativity in the trade than people realise. The TAFE NSW workshop was so well-resourced and the teachers were so experienced and helpful.”
Chief Executive Officer of Brick and Block Careers, Luke Radford stated that expanding female trade participation is critical to meeting national housing infrastructure goals.
“There’s huge opportunities for young women in our sector and the possibilities are endless,” Luke said.
“It can give you a rewarding career and a great pathway into becoming a builder. Bricklaying is an essential requirement to the Federal Government meeting their target of 1.2 million new homes by 2030, so the opportunities will continue to grow.”
Head Teacher of Bricklaying at TAFE NSW Newcastle, David Lange-Smith added that completing secondary qualifications, such as a Certificate IV in Residential Building, provides trade qualified workers with a direct pathway toward securing a builder’s license.
“There is still a huge shortage of quality bricklayers and this generation of apprentices has the opportunity to build a very lucrative career,” David said.
“There’s a lot of new technology coming online and by studying a Certificate IV in Residential Building on top of their bricklaying qualification, students can earn a builder’s licence. And by attending TAFE NSW Newcastle, they will get the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the industry.”
IMAGE | Heddon Greta bricklayer Tahlia Kelly urges Hunter women into trade as residential labour shortages persist
