The Australian Constructors Association's (ACA) It's Possible campaign, proudly funded by the NSW Government, is opening doors for women looking to build a career in construction. The latest site tour at the $658 million Sydney Children's Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre project in Randwick gave 30 women a firsthand look at life on a construction site – meeting industry professionals, exploring career pathways and challenging perceptions about the industry.
Hosted by principal contractor John Holland, the tour is part of a wider effort to attract more women to construction, an industry that is evolving to become more inclusive.
John Holland's Chief Strategy Officer, Jayne Whitney, said the response from participants shows that more women are seriously considering construction as a career.
"These site tours are breaking down outdated stereotypes and showing women they have a place in this industry," Ms Whitney said.
"The energy and enthusiasm we're seeing proves that when women see the opportunities available, they're ready to take that next step."
The push for greater diversity in construction is backed by the NSW Government, with the Sydney Children's Hospital project one of eight Health Infrastructure projects participating in the NSW Government's Women in Construction (WiC) focused Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program (ISLP), which is trialling increased targets for women in construction to boost skills, capability and capacity in the industry.
Acting Chief Executive of Health Infrastructure, Leisa Rathborne, said the Sydney Children's Hospital redevelopment is the perfect setting to showcase what it's like to work in construction with women contributing to a wide range of roles, including as Project Director.
"Health Infrastructure is proud to support initiatives like ACA's 'It's Possible' campaign which showcase the opportunities for women to build careers working on large-scale infrastructure projects," Ms Rathborne said.
"To date, women in non-traditional roles represent almost nine per cent of the project's workforce, exceeding the NSW Government's trial target of seven per cent.
"That's thanks to women like Project Director Lizzie Cox and site engineer Harriett Carroll, who are helping lead the way for other women by breaking down stereotypes in the construction industry and driving cultural change."
This project is about more than just building infrastructure – it's about creating spaces that will make a real difference in people's lives," said Ms Rathborne.
"Construction is a career that brings purposeful work.
"By opening our doors to women considering a career change, we're hoping to build a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable industry with our industry partners that reflects the communities we serve."
ACA CEO Jon Davies said initiatives like It's Possible are already driving change.
"We're seeing real momentum, but we need more people and greater diversity. These tours are just one way we're showing women that construction offers rewarding careers."
With more site tours planned across New South Wales, women interested in exploring construction can register at www.itspossible.net.au
The It's Possible initiative is proudly funded by the NSW Government's Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program.
The Sydney Children's Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Children's Cancer Institute and UNSW Sydney, and building contractor John Holland.
Case study: Lizzie Cox, John Holland Project Director, Sydney Children's Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre
"Having been closely involved in research into worksite culture and in my role as project director, I've seen the evidence behind diversity as a driver of innovative thinking, new systems processes and improved site behaviours, and its benefit to all areas of construction.
"I'd encourage women that are interested in working in the construction industry to get in contact with builders or subcontractors – most organisations are looking for enthusiastic new talent."
About us:
The Australian Constructors Association is the only representative body for contractors delivering vertical and horizontal construction projects, as well as undertaking infrastructure asset management. Our members construct and service the majority of major infrastructure projects built in Australia every year. Our goal is to create a more sustainable construction industry.
