The ACT Government wants to boost women’s participation in the construction industry. It has committed $1 million to the Understanding Building and Construction Program for early learning about the building and construction industry in schools.
Girls in early high school will learn about a clear career or vocational pathway to enter the building and construction industry. Women from the industry will talk to students about work experience and mentorship opportunities.
“The ‘Understanding Building and Construction Program’ has been designed to break down the barriers preventing young women and gender diverse students from joining traditionally male-dominated industries and encourage Canberra’s students to follow their passion into a fulfilling future, irrespective of gender,” said Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Women.
The program will be piloted in four ACT high schools, beginning in Semester Two, with learning modules for students in Years 7 to 10 about the building and construction industry and its current gender imbalance.
According to Women’s Agenda, construction is one of Australia’s most male-dominated industries: women are only a quarter of the workforce; 10 per cent of heads of business in construction and 4.4 per cent of construction CEOs are women; and women only earn $7.72 for every $10 men earn.
The four pilot participating high schools are Alfred Deakin High School, Calwell High School, Harrison School, and Mt Stromlo High School.
“We want to ensure our students understand they have limitless pathways and options for their futures,” said Peter Radford, principal of Mt Stromlo High School.
“It is especially important to encourage our female students to pursue their own personal passion and skills, even into traditionally male dominated careers, without barriers. This is why are proud to be one of the four pilot schools participating in the Understanding Building and Construction program.
“It will be very beneficial for our students to understand that the construction industry can be a place for everyone to build their own amazing futures.”
Increasing women’s participation in the construction industry and other traditionally male-dominated industries is a key focus of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26.
This work also aligns with the Future of Education Strategy in partnering with industry to bring real-life learning into the classroom and take learning into the broader community. Through the Second Action Plan 2020-22 of the ACT Women’s Plan, Equity Together, the ACT Government has committed to a target for 10 per cent female employment in the construction industry in the ACT.
The program is part-funded by a Partnership Grant from the National Careers Institute and the ACT Government.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) will be a key industry partner, and provide industry mentors and work experience placement opportunities through its members.
