PROFESSIONAL women significantly outweigh men in the workforce but that number isn't being reflected in management.
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Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals men hold the majority of management jobs in Tamworth.
Antiquated attitudes and a rise in women entering the healthcare industry could explain why, NSW Business Chamber manager Joe Townsend said.
"We've seen a great surge of 30 per cent growth of women working in health in the last five years or so that largely addresses the professional women component of it," he said.
"Men as managers is really hard to ultimately get down to, we haven't seen that equality come down in the last decade or so.
That I feel will adjust more in the future, it is hard to work out why the management is more male than female.
- Joe Townsend
"That I feel will adjust more in the future, it is hard to work out why the management is more male than female."
Tamworth hasn't broken far from traditional gender roles as men still dominate labour, technician, trade and machine operator industries.
The lack of women taking up trade roles is a concern given $90 billion is expected to be spent on infrastructure projects in the next four years.
To combat the trade shortage, the state government will fund almost 700,000 free TAFE and vocational education programs in the same period.
Mr Townsend hopes to see more women in trades.
"There's been so much investment from the state government in the skills shortage, the demand is for trade skills," he said.
"We need to investigate how to get more young females and males into trades as careers.
"I feel like it's still a bit of an issue with career advisors promoting the opportunities in trades, we need to break down those barriers in society."
Women in Tamworth work mostly in sales, professional, administration, community and personal service roles.
One in four people under 30 are taking on multiple jobs across the country, and Mr Townsend puts it down to greater flexibility for employees.
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"With increased options to work part time or casually, it provides the opportunity for people to work and study or care for family," he said.
"Our bosses are also quite close to us in regional NSW so flexible work arrangements are more readily available."
The average pay packet sits at $40,000 compared to Sydney at $46,500 and $39,000 for the rest of the state, but the cost of living is lower in Tamworth.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
