The construction industry has long been viewed as a male-dominated field, but that narrative is shifting—and rapidly. As National Skills Week 2024 kicks off, there’s a renewed focus on the increasing number of young women trading stereotypes for steel-capped boots and high-vis vests. The statistics are clear: more young women are stepping onto construction sites than ever before, but industry leaders say it’s just a start.

Brett Schimming, CEO of BuildSkills Australia, is heartened by the trend. “We’ve seen a significant rise in young women, especially those aged 15 to 24, entering the construction trades,” he says. “It’s a positive shift, but there’s still a long way to go.”

To put things in perspective, there are now over 3,000 young women working as construction trades workers—more than double the number seen in 2019. These women are the ones getting their hands dirty, learning the ropes, and many are apprentices laying the foundations for careers that, until recently, seemed beyond their reach.

However, the reality check remains: women still make up just 2.9% of the construction workforce in 2024. This figure highlights both the strides made and the challenges that persist.

This National Skills Week, the theme “VET – It’s a Game-Changer!” is ringing true, especially for women like Elizabeth Briggs. Elizabeth, a second-year bricklayer apprentice, swapped her role as a fitness instructor for a career in construction—a decision that has been both surprising and rewarding.

“When I first started, I wasn’t sure if this was the right path for me,” Elizabeth admits. “But being active on the job, using my hands, I realised I loved it. The environment was incredibly supportive, and I’d encourage any woman to just give it a go.”

Her story is just one of many that National Skills Week aims to highlight. The week isn’t merely about celebrating those who’ve already made the leap; it’s about showing others the way forward. It’s about spotlighting the women who are redefining what it means to work in trades, the importance of Indigenous participation in the workforce, and the pressing need for improved access to education and training in remote areas.

BuildSkills Australia is also working on a comprehensive national workforce plan, expected later this year, that will prioritise attracting more women into the construction sector. “This plan is about future-proofing our industries and ensuring that the skills we teach today will meet the demands of tomorrow,” Schimming explains.

As National Skills Week continues, it serves as a moment for reflection and action. Whether you’re a young person considering your career options, a parent guiding your child, or someone looking to switch professions, the message is clear: vocational education and training can be a game-changer.

And as more women like Elizabeth Briggs find their place in the construction industry, it’s clear that the game is indeed changing—brick by brick.

For more information about National Skills Week 2024 and BuildSkills Australia, visit www.nationalskillsweek.com.au/ and www.buildskills.com.au.

Media Contact:
Chris Reid | +61 411 284 474 | chrisr@buildskills.com.au

There are stories of remarkable women who dared to defy conventions, challenge norms, and pave paths where none existed before. “Her Story, Our Future: Honoring Trailblazing Women” is not merely a celebration; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit that courses through the veins of every woman who has dared to dream, to aspire, and to lead.

From the suffragettes who fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote, to the unsung heroes who shattered glass ceilings in science, technology, business, and beyond, the legacy of trailblazing women is as diverse as it is profound. They are the architects of progress, the torchbearers of change, and the architects of a future where equality is not just a distant dream, but a tangible reality.

Their stories inspire generations, reminding us that the road to equality is often fraught with obstacles, yet it is also illuminated by the unwavering resolve of those who refuse to be confined by societal limitations. They teach us that courage knows no gender, that strength is not bound by convention, and that the power to shape our destinies lies within each and every one of us.

As we honor these trailblazing women, we also acknowledge the responsibility that comes with their legacy. It is a call to action, a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over, and that the journey towards a more inclusive and just society requires the active participation of all. Their stories are not just a reflection of the past; they are a beacon guiding us towards a brighter, more equitable future.

In honoring their achievements, we also recognize the countless barriers that still stand in the way of women’s progress. It is a call to dismantle systems of oppression, to challenge ingrained biases, and to create spaces where every woman can thrive and succeed on her own terms. For in lifting up the voices of trailblazing women, we not only honor their legacy; we also pave the way for future generations to continue their journey towards equality, justice, and empowerment.

Welcome to Spotlyts’ special series on Women Empowerment! 🔆

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