The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is urging for a more substantial approach to increase female participation in the construction sector, moving beyond superficial gestures and addressing the issue from multiple angles.
Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director, criticised the current efforts, stating: “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.”
The construction industry in Australia is facing a significant workforce shortage, with HIA estimating a need for 83,000 additional trades immediately to meet the country’s housing demands.
This figure doesn’t account for the shortage in professional roles such as designers, certifiers, planners, engineers, and construction managers.
While women’s participation in the construction workforce has increased to approximately 15 per cent in recent years, it remains significantly lower than desired.
To address this, HIA is advocating for a comprehensive plan that includes:
- Long-term funded programs in primary schools to promote construction careers
- Engagement of industry-leading women ambassadors
- Increased support for apprenticeships and traineeships
- Industry-based mentoring programs for apprentice retention
- Funding for ‘try a trade’ and ‘build-ready’ programs
- Long-term financial support for employers taking on apprentices
- Targeted workforce development campaigns for in-demand roles
- Campaigns targeting mature-aged workers for career changes or workforce re-entry
- Education for employers on family-friendly employment practices
- Continued funding for the National Construction Industry Forum
Martin emphasised the diverse range of roles available in construction beyond trades, including planners, architects, surveyors, lawyers, and designers.
HIA is already taking steps through its Building Women Program and BuildHer programs to provide dedicated networks, resources, and career pathways for women in the industry.
The call for change extends to the industry itself, with Martin noting the need for more family-friendly work hours, diverse roles, flexible working arrangements where possible, and clean facilities for all employees.
These improvements are crucial as the construction sector competes for skilled workers with industries that already offer such benefits.
Martin urged the construction industry, employers, and governments to consider innovative ways to promote the breadth of careers and limitless prospects available in construction.
This comprehensive approach aims to address the multi-decade issue of gender disparity in the construction industry, moving beyond token gestures to create meaningful change and attract a wider pool of talent to meet Australia’s critical housing and infrastructure needs.
