Builders launch mentoring program to NSW women in building and construction

A bespoke mentoring program designed to support women in the building and construction industry is being launched today by Master Builders Australia.

Part of Master Builders Advancing Women in Building and Construction initiative which is currently being rolled out throughout the state, the program will support women who are currently working in building and construction, and those on training pathways to careers in the industry.

Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said, “We want to encourage more women to work in the industry and to access training pathways to careers in the industry. A big part of that is about supporting them in their choice. We also need to ensure that the industry is prepared and willing to accept them.”

“Recruiting men and women who are achievers in the industry and encouraging them to mentor women, looking to do the same, is an important step to retaining more women in the industry,” she said.

Brian Seidler, Executive Director of the Master Builders Association New South Wales said the state’s builders support the program, “There is still a way to go, but some of the state’s leading builders are seeing the benefits of getting more women on board.”

The mentoring program is part of the positive approach that Master Builders is taking to boosting the numbers of women in the industry. Research shows that when women are attracted to careers in the industry but they often drop out during training or fail to go on and work in the industry even when their training is completed.

“Advancing Women in Building and Construction, and the mentoring program in particular will work to counter this trend by spurring industry leaders to support women starting out in building and construction so they are more resilient and able to realise their full potential,” Denita Wawn said.

“That’s why Advancing Women in Building and Construction is a win for the industry. Firms employing women testify to the benefits they deliver to the businesses bottom line and productivity will be boosted by bringing new skills and approaches to the workforce,” she said.

Mentors will be drawn from experienced industry practitioners with a current supervisory role or own their own business. Mentees will be women with up to five years’ experience working in the industry part or full time, completing an apprenticeship or in a pre-employment program.