Third-year Master Builders apprentice Hannah Ipsen on the job for Paynter Dixon Constructions with site Forman Josh Taylor #EmbraceEquity.

At Master Builders, we believe in the need to embrace equity in our industry, and we know first-hand how this directly benefits building and construction businesses.

Master Builders recognises the contributions of women in building and construction every day. This International Women’s Day is a day to publicly acknowledge the women in our industry and highlight some of the ways in which Master Builders embraces equity.

In 2023 Master Builders continues to see record numbers of female apprentices in Carpentry. Women now make up almost 8% of all Master Builders Carpentry apprentices. This is more than double the industry NSW average of 2%. International Women’s Day provides a crucial opportunity to help make women in our industry more visible.

“I hope that being part of this campaign helps other young females think about considering a career in carpentry and highlights to other construction companies the positive impact women can have on the industry.” says Millie Symonds, a first-year apprentice with R.W. Bond Constructions. “You can’t want to be what you can’t see, but we are slowly seeing more women take up the tools. That has to be good for the future of the industry.”

First-year Apprentice Tarsha Wayne, Wright Construction Sydney, agrees, “It’s empowering to see people working at jobs that are outside the traditional gender roles.” While she acknowledges that women are still underrepresented she believes that “International Women’s Day is a day to recognise the challenges women have historically faced and acknowledge how far we have come as a society – even if there is still more to do.”

Hannah Ipsen, a third-year apprentice with Paynter Dixon says, “While it might be a male-dominated industry, everything is equal on a work site!”

“At Master Builders, we are invested in individuals achieving their career goals and we are proud to have a record number of female apprentices. Through our pre-apprenticeship programs and our supportive mentoring relationships, we are committed to an industry that is equitable,” says Jody McGann, General Manager of Education and Apprenticeships, Master Builders NSW. “We acknowledge the commitment and achievements of women in the building and construction industry, and hope that in celebrating them we encourage more females to join this exciting and rewarding industry”.

Master Builders Field Officers play a big role in supporting and mentoring our female apprentices. Like Karen Refalo, “Our role is to offer support to the apprentice and their Host Employer to get the best out of each other. This ensures a better workplace all around. We do this by maintaining open lines of communication, offering to address issues and offer advice. It is particularly important for young people and females for whom it may be their first job in the industry. Knowing our people is the key to their success and well-being.”

We develop great relationships to get to know our Host Employers and their needs to grow their teams. Many of our Host Employers strive for an equitable workplace. Michael Wright of Wright Construction Sydney says, “Tarsha, our first female apprentice, has brought a new dimension to the site, with awareness, concentration, and attention to detail”. For Millie’s training supervisor Tom, “Millie has added value, not just with her skill and work ethic but her customer service skills also”.

“With new technology and new products constantly available, we are finding new ways to do business,” says Michael. “Tarsha is a great addition to our business. Like me, Tarsha sees construction as a rewarding and well-paid career that allows you to develop skills well beyond the scope of your specialist trade. Trades all have to work together on a building site, understanding, supporting, and celebrating each other. That’s how you fulfill the dream for the client. So, why shouldn’t more women want to be part of that?” Hannah’s Host Employer, Joshua Taylor agrees, “Why wouldn’t women want to be part of an industry that requires expertise, commitment, and an exciting workplace.”

Master Builders is committed to an industry that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A workplace where different skills and experiences are valued and celebrated. On this International Women’s Day 2023 and every day, we want you to join us and embrace equity. Why? as Master Builders Field Officer Karen says, “Women matter! We need to keep making a stand for women to ensure our future generations of strong women and girls have better foundations than we had in the past. Fighting to close the gender pay gap is hugely important, as is presenting to women that you can be self-sufficient and independent.”

For more about how to become a Master Builders apprentice, and for all you need to know about adding a Master Builders apprentice to your team visit www.mbaapprenticeship.com.au or call us on 8586 3533.

Watch Millie’s video

Watch Hannah’s video

Watch Tarsha’s video