With female construction participation reaching a record high in 2024, the issue of skilled labour shortages faces a potential solution
Australia’s construction industry has seen female participation reach a record high in 2024, according to Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ).
Despite this positive outcome, CSQ says women still only represent 17 per cent of the workforce and just five per cent in construction trades.
As the country continues to endure skilled labour shortages, the inclusion of women in construction could help solve this issue, while bringing fresh perspectives.
Organisations like Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are just two initiatives already creating more opportunities for women.
“Showcasing the available roles within the construction industry will assist in the growth of female participation,” AWIC founder and CEO Amanda Bulow says.
“When people think about construction, they often only consider the trades. But there are so many other roles available – surveyors, project managers, accountants – and we need to highlight these opportunities to bring more women into the fold.”
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AWIC’s initiatives, such as their Roadshow Snapshot program, are opening doors for women across the country.
Designed to offer hands-on experiences, the roadshow has already reached over 5,000 students and provided site visits and factory tours to inspire future female leaders in construction.
The 2023/2024 roadshow has travelled over 9,500km, engaging 5,000 students across more than 40 schools and offering 30-plus industry site visits.
Another initiative leading the charge to ensure women play a key role in the future of Australia’s construction industry is PlanRadar – a leading platform for digital documentation, communication and reporting in construction, facility management and real estate projects.
In a traditionally male-dominated field, PlanRadar says schools can break down stereotypes and provide young women with insights into diverse roles within construction.
This can be done by implementing initiatives like career fairs, school outreach programs and mentorship opportunities.