New funding to support more women in construction

“More building and construction industry career opportunities for women will result from the Minister for Women’s announcement of $675,000 for the Women Building Australia program,” Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“As of today only about 12 per cent of the building and construction industry workforce are women. Master Builders is acting to fix this for the benefit of women and the industry,” she said.

“Women Building Australia is a building and construction industry initiative to boost the numbers of women in the Australia’s third largest industry. It raises awareness among young women, their parents and careers advisers of the huge range of rewarding careers and mentors women who have recently made a start in the industry,” Denita Wawn said.

“The program will deliver three 12 month mentoring programs nationally over a three year period and raise awareness about the huge range of rewarding and fulfilling careers in our industry at careers expos around the country,” she said.

“This funding follows a successful 12 month trial. The pilot mentoring program reinforced the importance of supporting women starting their careers in construction and facing the daily challenges of working in a male dominated industry,” Denita Wawn said.

Testimonials from participants in the Women Building Australia
Pilot Mentoring Program

“This program pushed me out of my comfort zone and how encouraged me to look more positively at myself professionally. I’m extremely grateful for this year of lessons I have learnt and look forward to what I can achieve.”

“When I look back on my experience in this program I realise that my confidence and communication skills have increased drastically. Communication can be daunting in the construction industry and my mentor ensured I received a lot of support and guidance on this well as sharing her industry specific knowledge which has assisted me greatly.”

“As a migrant working in the industry I have uneasiness about how I can advance as a women in a male dominated industry with a totally different culture. This program has proved the best thing I’ve ever done with its well-designed structure. I have improved confidence, communication and self-awareness.”