When you think of construction what comes first to your mind?
We mostly visualise groups of hard-working men labouring
outdoors.
Working in construction has primarily been perceived as a
challenging and demanding career involving rigorous working
hours, the physical nature of the work, and most prevalently,
the way the industry has been male-dominated. Not much has
been spoken about how women in construction can find
significant career contentment in a field that predominantly
has catered exclusively to men.
Though the construction industry is set to grow further, in
recent decades this dynamic industry has revolutionised, with
the inclusion of more and more women entering the construction
workforce and creating an undeniable impact.
Women in construction are making a difference! But how?
While men have conventionally outshone the construction
industry, women today are breaking the barriers and striving
towards building productive careers in this evergreen domain.
Like men, women feel empowered to improve people’s quality of
life whilst working in construction- being engaged in the
construction of buildings, engineering projects, or other
construction work.
According to Job Outlook, only 13.6% of the current
construction workforce in Australia, comprises females, with
only 7% working as Construction Managers and 4% as Project
Builders.
Despite these appalling low figures, the industry has now
opened its doors welcoming women with open arms. Today, a
gamut of opportunities galore for women in skilled trades.
Whether employed on job sites or in company offices, women are
exerting a bigger influence thereby becoming an important
asset contributing to the future success of the construction
industry. Women are also making an impact through leadership
by adopting executive and senior-level positions.
Organisations exhibiting greater diversity have proven more
profitable and successful, bringing new ideas and approaches
to the table. Isn’t that exciting?
Should women work in construction?
From a construction tradeswoman to a construction manager,
it takes a lot for a woman to elevate her career in
construction and earn her share of dignity. Gone are the
days when you rarely spotted women workers at a
construction site.
Ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic are leading to
acute workforce shortages in construction. With
experienced professionals starting to retire and a lack of
new entrants to the field, there is a growing demand for
skilled women to step into construction. Diverse work,
career progression opportunities, and a plethora of
construction roles are now accessible to women. As this
need rises, there will be more opportunities for
high-paying jobs in the booming industry.
Furthermore, when an industry is gender dominated, there
is a lack of diversity of thought. Recruiting more women
means adding new ideas and innovation to the construction
industry.
Minor representation of women in construction doesn’t mean
that they aren’t as skilled as men. Construction
competencies can be gained by anyone with the right
education.
Widen the talent pool
Is construction only for men? Certainly not! In recent times,
construction companies more likely than ever before want to
leverage the potential of the female workforce. As the
industry continues to swell in size, with the entry of women
at the leadership level, women construction owners with
industry expertise, managing management, from negotiating
construction contracts, and handling day-to-day
responsibilities, are becoming role models for aspiring women
aiming for fruitful careers in construction.
Highlighting women’s contributions can help break down gender
biases and negative stereotypes.
Significant reasons for the lower participation of women
include inadequate training, irregular working hours, lack of
recognition, slow payment, other critical aspects of
gender-based violence, and harassment that poses risks to
workers. However, advancements in technology and building
processes in recent years have eliminated most of these
concerns.
Time to take action
Working in the construction industry isn’t without its
challenges and obstacles. The gender landscape remains
relatively unchanged with men continuing to dominate the
industry. Gender diversity and gender bias are two sides of
the same coin and the construction industry needs to control
this to attain professional parity and sustainability.
However, breaking the barrier, and the bias is possible with
dedicated efforts.
The construction industry is ready to make job sites safer and
sustainable for women employees. Be it a man or a woman, a
skilled worker is a strong asset to a construction firm. Site
safety measures, flexible working options, and pay quality are
sure to attract and retain women without letting go of the
precious workforce.
Let’s chip out old attitudes. More women are considering
construction careers and that long-held industry perceptions
about women in the sector are changing for the better, though
slowly.
The Australian government also has pioneered a change by
introducing new measures and minimising the gender pay gap to
increase women’s representation in construction.
Get qualified with KAL Training
The new-age construction industry requires women to don the
mantle of a construction expert and seize the opportunity to
change the status quo. The opportunity to move ahead now with
a top-down approach is essential for employing and engaging
women in the construction sector.
A job in construction demands a thorough understanding of the
role and a mature skill set. Many institutes across Australia
offer apprenticeships to forge a career path in construction.
Are you prepared for a fulfilling career in construction? Take
full advantage of the
CHC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction
from KAL Training.
Conclusion
A career in construction is no longer a dream for women. It’s
a sustainable and successful career path in reality.
The current construction workforce recognises diversity and
inclusion, generating new avenues for women worldwide and for
businesses too. Inclusive industry initiatives have to be
implemented extensively to foster women’s talent and
reposition the industry for long-term value.
When it comes to breaking the bias pushing the boundaries is a
must! Women are now considered equally competent for the job
and the insights and inclusiveness that women bring to the
construction space are unparalleled in value and scope. Even
workplaces turning more responsive and accommodating in terms
of the working requirements of working women.
Women working in such a robust industry, is itself a sign of
evolving mindsets, waning prejudiced standards, and most
prominently a symbol of optimism and inspiration, for the
future workforce.
The voices of women in construction are getting fiercer! Women
are an untapped well of talent that can make the industry a
better place. Interested in making your mark in construction?
There’s definitely a place for you here. We encourage you to
join KAL Training! Let’s reduce the skills gap and create a
more gender-equal workforce.
