A site tour of the Sydney Children’s Hospital redevelopment project is the latest initiative of a campaign encouraging women to explore careers in construction
30 women attended a site tour of the $658 million Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre project in Randwick, as part of the Australian Constructors Association’s (ACA) It’s Possible campaign.
Funded by the NSW government, the campaign is opening doors for women looking to build a career in construction, with the tour offering a firsthand look at life on a construction site.
Hosted by principal contractor John Holland, chief strategy officer Jayne Whitney says the tour saw a positive response with more women considering construction as a career.
“These site tours are breaking down outdated stereotypes and showing women, they have a place in this industry,” Whitney says.
“The energy and enthusiasm we’re seeing proves that when women see the opportunities available, they’re ready to take that next step.”
The push for greater diversity in construction is backed by the NSW government, with the Sydney Children’s Hospital project one of eight Health Infrastructure projects participating in the NSW government’s Women in Construction (WiC) focused Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program (ISLP), which is trialling increased targets for women in construction to boost skills, capability and capacity in the industry.
Acting chief executive of Health Infrastructure NSW Leisa Rathborne says the Sydney Children’s Hospital redevelopment is the perfect setting to showcase what it’s like to work in construction with women contributing to a wide range of roles, including as project director.
“To date, women in non-traditional roles represent almost nine per cent of the project’s workforce, exceeding the NSW government’s trial target of seven per cent,” Rathborne says.
“That’s thanks to women like project director Lizzie Cox and site engineer Harriett Carroll, who are helping lead the way for other women by breaking down stereotypes in the construction industry and driving cultural change.”
Having been closely involved in research into worksite culture and in the role of project director, Cox says there’s evidence diversity benefits all areas of construction.
“I’ve seen the evidence behind diversity as a driver of innovative thinking, new systems processes and improved site behaviours,” she says.
“I’d encourage women that are interested in working in the construction industry to get in contact with builders or subcontractors – most organisations are looking for enthusiastic new talent.”
With more site tours planned across NSW, women interested in exploring construction careers can register at www.itspossible.net.au