THE RISE OF THE SUPPORT PLATFORM

Every other day I am on LinkedIn or other socials, I see a new group breaking ground in the area of supporting women in trades, construction, mining, and STEM. I find this to be something worth celebrating, especially given there was nothing around when I started.

I often get amused by the reaction when people comment on my industry longevity because I was told to my face that I did not belong.

“No women on the worksite.”

“You are taking the job of a man who needs to feed his family.”

“We aren’t changing things around here just ‘cause you girls think you can do a man’s job.”

It is no wonder that support groups for women have come of age, offering insight into how to deal with the unique challenges that being a woman in trades, construction, mining, and building bring. We work longer hours than most. In all sorts of conditions. With risks that outsiders to the industry cannot comprehend. Women are generally, naturally, built to share. Small wonder we create groups of like-minded intent to communicate and collaborate with others in our space.

Traffic controllers are one of the most maligned workers on the road, and yet the most necessary to save lives. Small wonder that women need a place to share these experiences with other women who get it. I can share as many stories with my hairdresser as I like, but she can’t empathise with the abuse, the rain, the cold, the hours, although she can empathise with a career mainly conducted standing!

An internet search will find a local chapter near you, or how to join a variety of organisations that exist specifically to support you. Kicking off the middle of this year is a podcast by a very active tradeswoman who has done some fabulous work in her area of HV mechanics - she is making a place for the “anxious tradeswoman”. Another podcaster basically invites you to have a “beer” with her over a chat and she has been doing that for quite some time as an experienced senior from the mining industry.

Then there are the social groups - again across the socials, not just the professional or advocacy ones. One of the other writers for this magazine hosts an amazing and supportive group that offers advice and comfort to women in trades and wives to tradies. She isn’t the only one, there are many more and not just limited to Australia.

The incredible STEMPUNKS, TECH GIRLS, and a relative newcomer STREET SCIENCE are taking the message of STEM to our children through award-winning and creative education and play. It is an exciting time to be a child learning STEM with the rise of VR enhancing the apps and outputs for those who are looking for ways in which technology is changing our work landscape.

I recently hung out with Awesome Woman In Construction, which has developed an app about career paths in trades, construction, etc. It also offers insight into the level of pay and wages likely for the career, a clever way to showcase the potential of the career types. Showcasing to a school careers fair showed that this idea was of interest and was well received by the students we spoke with.

In short, whatever flavour you choose, there is a support group, a podcast, an industry advocacy space for you to join and be supported by. There are many out there, find your tribe and gain that edge with support and advocacy, friendship and mentorship, from those of us who have been there and are doing that!

Becky Paroz is an award-winning, successful senior project manager, general manager, and performance coach. Becky is a much-requested mentor and business coach to SMEs. She also shares her knowledge through a variety of writing projects and as a podcast guest across the globe. She gives back through several industry mentoring programs as part of her support to women in the building and construction industry. After three years or more of writing for this magazine, she wonders if anyone reads the articles. She’d like to think she is helping someone.

Master Builders Association of New South Wales Excellence in Housing Awards

DATE: Saturday, September 16, from 6pm

WHERE: The Star, Sydney

WHAT: The Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Housing Awards stands as the pinnacle of recognition for residential building achievements in the state. This esteemed event honours excellence, innovation, and quality within the NSW building and construction industry. The Excellence in Housing Awards serve as a platform to showcase the finest residential constructions, drawing participants from various sectors including project home builders, contract builders, apartment constructors, and builders specialising in additions, alterations, and renovations. It brings together a diverse cross-section of the residential building sector, highlighting the best and most noteworthy contributions to the industry.

Master Builders Association of New South Wales Excellence In Construction Awards

DATE: Saturday, November 4, from 6pm

WHERE: The Star, Sydney

WHAT: The Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards holds a prominent status within the industry as the premier annual event for the commercial, industrial, and civil engineering sectors. These prestigious awards serve as a platform to celebrate remarkable accomplishments by companies and individuals within the building and construction industry in NSW. For nearly three decades, numerous outstanding commercial builders in NSW have been acknowledged and honoured for their exceptional construction excellence, cementing their reputation as industry leaders.

Women in Construction at Sydney Build Expo 2024

DATE: May 1-2

WHERE: ICC Sydney

WHAT: This session is free to attend for all and offers the chance for all professionals and students interested in construction, architecture, engineering and related fields to network, learn and feel inspired. Learn from a panel of established experts discussing the untapped opportunities for women, challenges faced and industry changes that are needed across the workplace. Alongside our line-up of panelists, Sydney Build works with an amazing team of Women in Construction ambassadors who are furthering equality in the built environment. Join these architects, engineers, designers and diversity champions at the networking event to hear what they’re doing to make lasting change.

Save the Date: Florence luncheons 2024

WHEN: Friday, May 3, 2024 and Friday, August 23, 2024

WHAT: This luncheon celebrates women and their achievements, acknowledging gender diversity issues and offering a platform for women to contribute and connect with inspiring and motivational guest speakers.

With two luncheons each year you can get together and help construct a new perspective with us.

To enquire about partnership opportunities, please contact Amanda Kelly at akelly@mbansw.asn.au or 02 8586 3504.