THE FACTS:

• Women make up only 3% of Apprenticeship and Trade Professionals

• Australia ranks as number 12 out of 15 countries in the participation of women in construction and trade occupations

These facts lead us to ask - how can we increase Australia’s female participation in trades NOW so that Australia doesn’t suffer from a skills deficit in the FUTURE? With an ever-growing aging population in Australia, this is a stark reality that faces the construction industry. 

Today we are taking the opportunity to spotlight the National Association of Women in Construction, an organisation that is actively working towards normalising careers in construction as a career pathway for young women, particularly high-school students. 

This year, NAWIC launched a Women in Construction Pathways Program for year 10 and 11 female students (in the ACT) who are interested in pursuing careers in construction. This lucky cohort was able to experience a wide variety of construction industry pathways through undergoing multiple 10-12 week placements in a variety of trades such as design, engineering, construction management, tiling and plastering.

Young women can’t be what they can’t see. So, alongside the practical experience that this program offers, the female students also had the opportunity to be mentored by established career mentors and members of the NAWIC community.

Supporting Women in Construction with the NAWIC International Women’s Day Scholarship

Beyond school programs, NAWIC has taken one step further towards achieving their mission by awarding individuals or organisations a $20,000 scholarship to go towards their pursuit of a career in the construction industry.

The 2019 IWD winner was NAWIC QLD’s Chair of Education and Mentoring Dr Fiona Lamari, who utilised the Scholarship funds to create a Virtual Construction Site Tour with the objective of informing young women about various career opportunities in the industry.

These programs and initiatives run by NAWIC place industry exposure and experience at the forefront, allowing young women to see the possibilities available to them in trades and apprenticeships.

The future is indeed exciting, and full of career pathway opportunities in the Construction and Trades industry sectors. Here at girledworld, we can’t wait to see programs like the above expand throughout Australia, changing the stereotypes around these predominantly male-dominated careers, one girl and one trade at a time.

Want to get involved with some of the NAWIC programs and initiatives? Visit their website to find out more!

Sources: 

• National Association of Women in Construction

• 2018 report by Construction Skills Queensland