We’re back for Sydney Build 2023

Women’s Network Australia took to the stage at the Sydney Build Expo in June 2022 as we networked with women in construction. In 2023, we’ll be back supporting women and encouraging them to break down the barriers to careers in the building, construction, design and infrastructure sectors.

It’s Australia’s second largest industry however women still only make up 13 per cent of the building and construction industry’s workforce and, of those, only 2.5 per cent are in trades. The rest work in administration and support roles.

If women in construction remain a minuscule minority, there’ll be no change to the macho, sexist culture that dominates construction, and no change to systemic gender stereotypes.

That’s one of the reasons why Women’s Network Australia is pleased to partner once again with Sydney Build when it returns on 6 and 7 March 2023.

WNA’s NSW Ambassador Dr Leanne Elich spoke at this year’s event and was among an impressive line-up of Women in Construction Ambassadors.

Leanne’s involvement supporting women in trades include as a Board Member of Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), a registered charity set up to support educational institutions and workplaces to encourage women to see trades as a viable career path.

In collaboration with educational institutions and industry leaders, EWIT aims to increase women’s role in learning the trade skills required for people and industry to thrive. EWIT is there for women in the workforce to learn the skills to thrive in these industries.

The move to better reflect the role and opportunities for women in the building and construction industry is attracting greater attention from governments.

In late September, the Victorian Government unveiled a multi-media campaign highlighting women’s success in the construction industry, in an attempt to encourage broader participation in the state’s construction industries.

The ‘She Built It’ campaign – across digital, print, and radio – aims to address women’s participation in construction trades, who currently account for just three per cent of the state’s workforce.

Appearing in the campaign is mature-age apprentice electrician, Sarah Tabone, who said breaking down gendered barriers was critical to encouraging broader participation in the workforce.

“This campaign was important to me as I wanted to show other women that opportunities are there and the door is open. I hope it breaks down stereotypes and shows how accessible the industry is for women,” Ms Tabone said.

“If even one woman sees this and it helps her to have the courage or plants the idea to walk through that open door, it will make such a difference for our industry.”

Also in September, the New South Wales Government launched its ‘Have Your Say’ consultation program, seeking to explore new ways of encouraging greater gender diversity in male-dominated industries.

New South Wales’ Deputy Secretary of Customer, Delivery and Transformation, William Murphy, said women were key in addressing the nation’s major skills shortages.

“As a modern and customer-centric government we are committed to making pathways to trades easier for our customers,” Mr Murphy said.

“The Department of Customer Service’s Behavioural Insights Unit is supporting Training Services NSW’s Women in Trades Strategy by undertaking research and testing possible solutions.

“It’s important we better understand what does and doesn’t work when encouraging women to begin a trade career, especially in a male dominated workplace.”

If you work in or want to be part of the building and construction industry, mark your calendar and attend the 7th annual Sydney Build. ■

Sydney Build is the only event in Australia to offer 300+ accredited presentations, 500+ exhibitors and incredible networking opportunities for all of Australia’s construction, architecture, engineering and infrastructure industries. Find out more or register for free tickets at the Sydney Build website www.sydneybuildexpo.com