The NSW Government Women in Construction Program is improving the lives of local community by creating diverse and inclusive construction workforces, making the sector a safer and more desirable place to work.
The NSW Government is investing $20.2 million in the Women in Construction program, which aims to attract and retain more women into the industry, with a focus on increasing the number of women in trade and non-traditional roles. Women currently make up 12% of the construction industry and less than 4% of onsite roles.
The Women in Construction Program has five objectives:
- An increased number of women are working in the construction sector, ideally in trade and non-traditional roles.
- There is a pipeline of women educating/training to meet demand.
- Increased workplace flexibility in the construction sector.
- Culture change on construction sites so that the construction industry is one that people want to work in.
- Partnership between government and industry to achieve this goal.
In line with the Program objectives, the Program is delivering against four strategic pillars:
- Removing obstacles: remove obstacles that prevent women from entering the construction industry and implement reforms to create safe and inclusive workplaces.
- Creating desire and awareness: creating desire and awareness to encourage women to choose a career in construction, with a focus on the benefits and opportunities construction offers.
- Fulfilment / retention: creating easy and clear pathways for women to apply, enter and progress in the industry and providing active support and case management to retain women in the industry.
- Accountability: keeping government and industry accountable to increase female participation in the sector and report on progress throughout the Program.
These pillars are underpinned by extensive engagement with key industry stakeholders including trade unions, industry associations, contractors and sub-contractors – including the stand up of an Industry Advisory Group (IAG).