A call for more women in the construction sector is being made to carve out more diversity across the board.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has released a strategic plan to increase women working in construction to 25 per cent by 2025.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) current data reveals that of the 13 per cent of women working in construction, 11 per cent are in management and support roles, and only two per cent are in the hands-on Trades.
Victoria University (VU) second year student Nicola Lovell is completing an electrical apprenticeship in the commercial sector. Nicole said she loves the hands-on nature of the work and is one of three females in her 25-person team.
“It’s like a family most of the time, you do get a few comments or stares sometimes but for the most part everyone’s been super supportive,” she said.
“And If I need anything from another trade they’re always likely to say yes and will try to go above and beyond just to kind of support the females that are on site.”
VU Engineering, technology, cyber and electrical general manager Jo Cave said there’s many pathways for females, including VU’s “try a trade days” where individuals can come along for a work experience day and see if they can see a future there.
“We find many teams want that diversity. It’s not just promoting this as ‘women for women’s’ sake, they’ve found that having that diversity within teams or in the workforce means there’s greater productivity, and there’s a whole heap of really positive things that come from it,” Ms Cave said.
Holly McGuinness
