Apprentice electrician Phoebe Lawrie ditched a university degree in economics and philosophy. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
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by Natasha Bita
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"Lady tradies'' are cashing in on careers in construction, as building companies hire extra apprentices during the pandemic.
With crippling skills shortages in 62 trade areas, Tradeswomen Australia is urging girls to fill the gap by signing up for trade training when they leave school.
In the lucrative building trades, just one in 40 apprentices is female.
"It's such a financially rewarding career - go for it, girls,'' Tradeswomen Australia managing director Fiona McDonald said yesterday.
"Trades are where the money is, and especially if you get on a commercial site - a big development, a high-rise building, tunnels and road upgrades - you can earn more than a doctor.