The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is advocating for a more comprehensive plan to boost women's participation in the construction industry, moving away from mere symbolic actions and tackling the issue from various perspectives.

Jocelyn Martin, Managing Director of HIA, has criticised the current efforts, saying, "too often we continue to see announcements to increase the number of women in construction, which involve donning pink hi-vis’, walking around a building site and then talking about more site toilets."

Australia's construction industry is grappling with a substantial labour shortage, as per HIA's calculations, requiring an immediate addition of 83,000 tradespeople to cater to the country's housing requirements.

This shortage does not factor in the deficit of professionals like designers, certifiers, planners, engineers, and construction managers.

Despite a recent uptick in women's participation in the construction workforce to about 15 percent, the figure still falls short of the desired level.

To tackle this issue, HIA is advocating for a thorough strategy that encompasses:

• Establishing long-term funded initiatives in primary schools to promote careers in construction

• Involving influential female figures from the industry as ambassadors

• Enhancing support for apprenticeships and traineeships

• Implementing industry-based mentorship programs to retain apprentices

• Allocating funds for programmes like 'try a trade' and 'build-ready'

• Providing sustained financial assistance to employers engaging apprentices

• Launching targeted campaigns to develop the workforce for roles in high demand

• Initiating campaigns aimed at mature-aged individuals for career transitions or re-entering the workforce

• Educating employers on practices that support a family-friendly working environment

• Sustaining funding for the National Construction Industry Forum

Martin underscored the diverse range of roles available in construction beyond trades, such as planners, architects, surveyors, lawyers, and designers.

HIA is already taking proactive measures through its Building Women Program and BuildHer initiatives, offering specialized networks, resources, and career pathways for women in the sector.

The call for change extends to the industry itself, with Martin highlighting the necessity for more flexible work hours conducive to family life, diverse job roles, adaptable work arrangements wherever feasible, and clean facilities for all employees.

These enhancements are vital as the construction industry competes for skilled labour with sectors that already provide such advantages.

Martin urged the construction sector, employers, and authorities to explore innovative methods to showcase the diversity of careers and boundless opportunities available in construction.

This comprehensive strategy aims to tackle the enduring issue of gender inequality in the construction sector, moving beyond surface-level actions to create substantial change and attract a broader talent pool to meet Australia's critical housing and infrastructure needs.

 

Source: Build Australia

Image Source: National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)

 

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