Supporting women to achieve VET-based careers – Discussion Paper

December 14, 2023

Supporting women to achieve VET-based careers –Discussion Paper

This submission is being made by the National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW).

NFAW is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of Australian women, including intellectual, cultural, political, social, economic, legal, industrial and domestic spheres, and ensuring that the aims and ideals of the women’s movement and its collective wisdom are handed on to new generations of women. NFAW is a feminist organisation, independent of party politics and working Supporting women to achieve VET-based careers –Discussion Paper in partnership with other women’s organisations.

Recommendations

Better education about sexual harassment in VET colleges and TAFEs, and in workplaces for workers, employers, students and providers.
A co-ordinated approach to funding must also be a priority
VET initiatives must be crafted to target women who are more likely to face barriers to employment or career development.
Co-ordinated courses that articulate into diplomas and university level qualifications
Collection of data on enrolment and completion of women in VET-based education evaluated annually on a national basis.
Improved childcare on campus, transport and career advice services7.In order to address gender segregation in the care sector, there should be targeted programs to attract men into that sector.