A new NSW Government funded program is directed at promoting careers in the building and construction industry for women. The Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program will support industry initiatives that will encourage women’s participation and retention in the construction industry throughout the whole supply chain by:
- Creating inclusive workplace cultures, including by improving employee wellbeing and supporting flexible working arrangements;
- Increasing the number of women entering and staying in the industry; and
- Supporting female leadership and female employees.
Master Builders is participating in the program by promoting building and construction careers to women at high schools, career expos, and apprenticeship and job expos. We will be on the road for the next 12 months presenting at schools across regional NSW and meeting with many career advisors, job seekers, parents, industry participants, and key stakeholders. We will be sharing positive stories directly from the worksite, highlighting the career opportunities and pathways for women in construction. As well as breaking down barriers and misconceptions that can hinder women traditionally considering a construction career.
“It’s important that we reach as many regional NSW areas as possible with our positive message, to provide educational information about careers in our industry. Already we have had much positive feedback from school teachers and career advisors appreciating that Master Builders is visiting their school and speaking with young women in their communities”, says Jody McGann, General Manager of Education and Apprenticeships.
“Supporting women to enter the building industry is at the heart of what we do at Master Builders. The Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program is a fantastic opportunity to encourage females to start a potential career in our industry. Our aim is to open up options for females who may have thought that they would like to start in construction but are not sure how to. We help them to make an informative decision about entering the construction industry and start a rewarding career”, says Jody.
The program will concentrate efforts in regional areas where there has traditionally been less focus on attracting women into the construction workforce. It will give women looking to start their working career the relevant information and level of comfort they require to consider a career in the building and construction industry. By increasing interest and breaking down barriers and misconceptions, the Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program will aim to increase the number of women entering the construction workforce.
Master Builders is proud of our track record in employing and supporting female apprentices and trainees in the construction industry. Our female apprentices currently make up 8% of all Master Builders employed apprentices. We are leading the way for the promotion and employment of women in non-traditional trades. Our achievements in this area are recognised by the industry, key stakeholders, the government, and the public. As well as with our award-winning female apprentices. We have a track record of successfully implementing programs to encourage women into the industry.

So far, we have reached regional areas such as the Riverina and New England. We recently attended the Wagga Wagga Try a Trade Day and Employment Expo where many year 9 up to year 12 school students from the region attended with their teachers and careers advisors. We also attended the Careers Quest Expo in Uralla where many school students from Tamworth to Armidale attended to gain useful information about careers in construction and how to start an apprenticeship.
We also attended the Illawarra Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expo, where up to 3000 of the local community came along. Many young people were prepared with their resumes to start an apprenticeship as soon as they finished school. The demand so far for apprenticeships in regional areas has been very positive. And we will continue to promote careers directly in the regions into 2024.
If you would like more information about pathways to a career in construction, visit our website mbaapprenticeship.com.au/women-in-construction
If you would like to book a school presentation please email our Women in Construction Careers Pathways Officer careers@mbansw.asn.au
If you are a building and construction business and you need an apprentice on your team, call Master Builders on 02 8586 3533 or go to our website mbaapprenticeship.com.au/build-your-team