A new program will link female building apprentices with experienced industry mentors to help retain more women in the construction sector.
The move is aimed at improving the “lived work experience” of female building apprentices and enhancing the feeling of inclusion for women in the industry.
The Master Builders’ Emerging Women in Construction (EWIC) program will also provide tailored training, events and webinars, and create an online support community.
The program, funded by the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT), is targeted at female building and construction apprentices in their first, second and third years.
Experienced women working in the industry are being encouraged to sign up to support and advise those who will follow in their footsteps.
Master Builders Deputy CEO Sue-Ann Fresneda said the EWIC program was designed to be a one-stop shop.
She said the organisation wanted to provide a safe space for women to engage with peers and other successful women in the industry.
“(The program will foster) a sense of community, as well as practical advice designed to navigate their careers and keep them in the industry,” Sue-Ann said.
“As we find ourselves in the middle of a housing crisis, compounded by a labour shortage, it’s crucial we not only attract more skilled workers, but retain them by setting them up with the best possible start in their careers, shoring up and growing our industry for the future.”
“We need to improve the lived work experience of female apprentices and shift the conversation to one of greater inclusion for women, now and in the longer term.”
Queensland’s Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum said there had never been a better time to enter Queensland’s construction industry.
“With Queensland’s Big Build of housing, hospitals, clean energy, and infrastructure underway we want more women at the front of the queue for the high-paid hi-vis careers on offer,” Minister McCallum said.
“We want to make sure women are well supported at work, to complete their apprenticeship and continue their rewarding careers in construction and inspire a new generation of young women to get started in the industry.”
More information is available on the Master Builders website.
