A Message from the Commercial Director

from Canberra Builder 4/2018

President’s Lunch Review

It was a wonderful experience to see the overall impact that the program has had on these women.

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, LIZ NAIR

MBA enjoys success for Women in Trades

Master Builders ACT was successful in gaining a government funded grant this year which allowed women interested in trying out a trade to come and get involved at MBA ACT.

The program ran for four weeks and aimed to increase the number of women in male dominated trades, to increase the understanding of best practices for recruiting and retaining women in trades, and to improve the networking connections between apprentice employers and women.

MBA ACT President, Gracie Ferreira said that women are an essential part of the building and construction industry.

“I strongly believe that women have a lot to contribute to the industry and that they have certain traits that complement what the men are already doing. It should be about doing what you enjoy and love, and not about it being a male or female industry”, Gracie Ferreira said.

Participants of the program were provided with the opportunity to gain insight into a full range of experiences within the construction industry including structured training, hands on simulated work, and work site placements. The program allowed women to determine whether they would like to pursue a career in the construction industry. Program participant Anita Hac said the Women in Trades Program provided her with many opportunities.

Guideline Workshop participants “Having completed a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture I knew I wanted to do more and expand my knowledge on the practical aspects. The Women in Trades program allowed me the opportunity to get a feel for what it would be like to work in a trade in the building and construction industry. I met wonderful people and networked with inspiring employers and employees”, Anita added.

One of the biggest goals we had for the program was to provide women with an inclusive worksite culture which is free of discrimination or bias. A participant of the program, Jess Pinney-Martin said that the program has given her a great sense of accomplishment and happiness.

“Following this program I was offered an apprenticeship with MBA which I am now six weeks into, and I can honestly say that this is the happiest I have been in a long while. Every day I am learning new things and can go home at the end of a work day and be proud of what I have accomplished”, Jess Pinney-Martin said.

One of the biggest goals we had for the program was to provide women with an inclusive worksite culture which is free of discrimination or bias.

It was a wonderful experience to see the overall impact that the program has had on these women. I enjoyed watching them overcome many personal barriers and seeing the positive impact their involvement in the program has had on their friendship circles and family groups. Since the completion of this incredible program, the MBA has employed 50% of the participants in apprenticeships.

MBA are always looking to improve equality and inclusiveness within the construction industry. We currently employ 50% of apprentice female carpenters in the ACT. Currently, only 10% of people working in non-traditional trades are women, my goal as MBA Commercial Director is to increase that to 20% over the next four years. We are well on the way to achieving this by offering fantastic programs like this and having the support of our Board, leadership team, staff and members. Following on from the great success of the 2018 Women in Trades Grant Program, MBA ACT looks forward to being able to provide more opportunities to women wanting to enter the building and construction industry.