Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) will provide students an opportunity to participate in the AWIC International Women’s Day Lunch. This event is supported and funded by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and will be held on Friday 7 March 2025.

The focus of the event is to support all roles in the construction industry to highlight the importance of attracting young women to the construction sector and create a supportive environment to retain and nurture their growth.

Australia’s construction industry has contributed to over $360 billion to the national economy but has a projected downfall of 250,000 workers over the next five years.

Women make up less than 15% of the workforce and less than 5% working directly on-site. Trade schools and apprenticeships offer women practical, hands-on pathways into the construction sector. They are equipping women with the skills, confidence and real-world experience needed to excel in a traditionally male-dominated field.

“It is great to see the number of trade schools educating and supporting the next generation,” AWIC founder and chief executive Amanda Bulow says.

“School-based apprenticeships also play a key role in providing a pipeline of skilled workers. Providing access to mentoring from an early stage ensures our next generation of women entering the construction industry understand the extensive community of support they have.”

Australia has a boost in government and industry initiatives targeted at increasing female participation in construction. The programs provide financial support and create pathways for women to gain practical skills and access leadership roles.

Key initiatives include the Women in Construction Scholarship (Construction Industry Training Board, CITB), the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program (Australian Government) and the Women’s Empowerment in Construction (WeiC) Program (Master Builders Australia).

Industry organisations in the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Women in Building and Construction have stepped up to provide support.

Supportive networks such as AWIC, NAWIC and local industry groups provide advocacy, mentorship and guidance to create a solid foundation for women’s career growth.

Online learning platforms are making trade education more accessible, especially in remote and regional areas. Leadership focused programs are giving women the skills to shift into management and entrepreneurial roles to ensure women have a voice in the future of the industry.

“The increase in resources and programs to support and highlight the roles available for women in construction, is a step in the right direction,” Amanda says.

“Next, we need the industry to provide work experience and mentor them. Providing work experience options cements the skills and knowledge they have learnt on the job. It also provides the industry with a strong pipeline of employees, filling the increasing skilled labour shortage.”