The construction industry in Australia has long been characterised by a significant gender imbalance. Women make up just 13.2% of the workforce, with fewer than 2% in skilled trades. While these figures are slowly improving, attracting and retaining female talent remains a major challenge.
Addressing this disparity is not just about diversity—it's about securing the future of the industry. With a shortfall of 250,000 skilled workers expected by 2026, broadening recruitment beyond traditional talent pools is critical.
Technology is playing an increasingly critical role in making construction a more accessible and inclusive industry. Digital tools, automation, and AI are reducing physical demands, streamlining workflows, and enabling remote project management. Currently, 30% of Australian construction companies are either using or trialling AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency.
By minimising manual labour, enhancing workflow automation, and supporting flexible work arrangements, technology is helping to break down traditional barriers and create a more diverse and sustainable construction workforce.
How Technology and Industry Partnerships Are Creating Opportunities
PlanRadar is committed to driving real change in Australia's construction industry through strategic partnerships that support diversity and inclusion. By working with organisations like EPIC Group and Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), PlanRadar is actively helping women build careers in construction.
EPIC Group provides mentorship, coaching, and training for women in construction, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in the industry. PlanRadar's technology enhances these efforts by improving communication and collaboration across job sites, ensuring more inclusive and supportive work environments.
Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) is focused on increasing female participation in the sector through training, networking, and mentorship programs. AWIC has set a bold goal: to raise female representation in construction from 15% in 2024 to 40% by 2040.
By supporting these organisations and providing technology-driven solutions, PlanRadar is helping to create a more diverse, skilled, and future-ready construction workforce.
A Tech-First Approach to Diversity and Inclusion
Technology is revolutionising construction, with innovations like Building Information Modelling (BIM), automation, and AI making construction careers more accessible to women.
BIM technology allows for detailed, real-time project planning, reducing the need for physical site work.
AI-powered automation is streamlining labour-intensive processes, minimising physical strain and opening new career opportunities.
Cloud-based platforms like PlanRadar enable remote project management, allowing women to oversee construction workflows from any location.
For women, these advancements provide greater flexibility. With real-time reporting tools and improved communication channels, digital platforms support work-life balance, enabling women to take on leadership roles while managing family responsibilities.
As the construction industry embraces digital transformation, more opportunities are emerging for women to enter, upskill, and progress into leadership positions.
The Role of Collaboration in Advancing Women in Construction
Closing the gender gap requires a combined effort from technology providers, construction firms, and advocacy organisations. Programs that offer mentorship, industry networking, and digital skills training are key to helping women build successful careers in construction.
Mentorship programs help women gain insights, career guidance, and access to leadership opportunities.
Networking initiatives connect female professionals with industry leaders, providing opportunities for career progression.
Diversity-focused training programs ensure workplaces are more inclusive and equipped to support gender equity.
By investing in mentorship, technology, and structured development programs, Australia's construction industry is taking steps toward a more inclusive and sustainable workforce.
Looking Ahead: A More Diverse Future for Construction
As the construction sector continues to evolve, technology will play a critical role in ensuring a diverse and future-ready workforce. By integrating digital solutions with diversity-driven initiatives, the industry can drive innovation, improve workforce sustainability, and create more career opportunities for women.
With PlanRadar's partnerships with EPIC Group and AWIC, the construction industry is making measurable progress in removing barriers for women. Through mentorship, training, and digital advancements, the industry is working toward a more diverse, skilled, and future-ready workforce.
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About PlanRadar
PlanRadar is an award-winning, digital SaaS platform for documentation, communication and reporting in construction, facility management and real estate projects. The platform operates across the globe, currently in over 75 markets. PlanRadar streamlines daily processes and communication in an easy-to-use digital platform that connects all project stakeholders and provides real-time access to valuable project data.
PlanRadar enables customers to work more efficiently, enhance quality and achieve full project transparency. The platform adds value to every person involved in a building's lifecycle, from contractors and engineers to property managers and owners, with flexible capabilities for all company sizes and processes.
Today, over 170,000 professionals are using PlanRadar to track, connect and solve issues on and off-site. PlanRadar is currently available in more than 25 languages and can be used across all iOS, Windows and Android devices. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, PlanRadar has 13 offices across the globe.
