Challenging roadblocks can exist for women entering construction, but SPARK at Ginninderry is working to help more females build a meaningful career in the industry.

The SPARK JobTrainer Women in Civil Construction Program is designed to ignite an interest in construction for women and develop their confidence to give it a go in a supportive environment.

In collaboration with Master Builders ACT (MBA) and Southern Training Organisation, the program allows women the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge they require to move into employment. 

In the five years since the program’s launch, SPARK has seen many fearless women gain the strength, resilience, and confidence to work in a male dominated industry – and the next woman could be you.

Fully funded through JobTrainer, a jointly funded initiative of the ACT and Australian governments, the program offers participants all the benefits and opportunities at no cost.

Commencing on Monday 1 May, the next nine-week fulltime program combines theory, practical hands-on learning, and a four-week industry work placement.

Come along to the enrolment session on Tuesday 4 April from 10am to 12.30pm at MBA in Fyshwick to learn and be inspired about the innovative SPARK JobTrainer Women in Civil Construction Program – the opportunity is waiting for you!

SPARK Women in Civil Construction graduate testimonial

Before discovering the SPARK program, Rhiannon was working as a support worker while looking for a pathway into construction.

“I had been googling White Card and Asbestos Awareness Tickets, when I noticed an ad on Facebook advertising the SPARK Women in Civil Construction Program. I was curious, so I had a read. It sounded like everything I needed to get started, so I applied right away,” she said.

After attending the information session, Rhiannon was offered a place in the program.

“The program helped boost my confidence, whilst making new friends and learning the basics. After completing the training, I felt I could walk on site with the skills and knowledge to really give it a go,” she said.

Made possible through JobTrainer, a jointly funded initiative of the ACT and Australian governments, the program provides participants with a range of benefits.

As a part of the program, participants are provided with full PPE, Asbestos Awareness training, White Card training, targeted workshops with the Healthy Tradie Project, practical hands-on training, and an industry work placement with one of seven partnering civil contractors.

“The work placement was a huge benefit to me; it helped me make connections and led me to find fulltime employment with Cord Civil, which I am loving! I found the idea of approaching civil employers very daunting, but this pathway made it a lot easier,” Rhiannon said.

Stuart Ritchie, Cord Civil Managing Director said: “SPARK gives increased confidence to the participants, a sense of adventure for trying something new, mentoring from the SPARK team throughout the process, and a sense of achievement.

“Cord Civil has been involved with the program for several years and see it as essential in the ACT Region. Collaboration has always been a main driver of the success of the program and for us as a company.”

SPARK and Ginninderry are committed to improving the educational, social, and economic outcomes of residents in the local area and have a dedicated team who are passionate about supporting their participants.

From the moment a person engages with SPARK, there’s someone to walk with them every step of the way.

“They are super supportive, understanding, and helpful. Doing the program through SPARK gave me the confidence and support I needed, to step out into the construction world,” Rhiannon said.

Upon graduation, Cord Civil offered Rhiannon employment.

“Within six weeks of being ‘on the ground’ as an employee of Cord Civil, Rhiannon was enrolled to do her Certificate III in Civil Construction,” Mr Ritchie said.

“Rhiannon worked tirelessly on the theory components of the Cert III and, under supervision, was operating machinery at various sites, which was part of the practical component of the course.

“Rhiannon became a member of our consultative committee and a respected member of the Cord Civil team,” he said.

When asked whether she would recommend SPARK to others, Rhiannon enthusiastically said: “I 100 per cent recommend doing a SPARK program! The SPARK program honestly changed my life. It helped me get my foot in the door in this industry and I’m excited to explore it further.”