Push to lift number of women working construction in Victoria

Women make up a minuscule amount of the tradies working in Victoria, but a new program hopes to change that.

A new campaign will help women break down barriers in construction industry. Picture: Tim Carrafa

More women are being encouraged to build a career in construction as part of a new initiative to increase the number of female tradies across the state.

With women making up less than three per cent of all building and construction workers in Victoria, the Andrews government has launched a new campaign calling on more women to get on the tools.

The ‘She Build It’ campaign aims to attract more females to the industry by showcasing the success of women already working in the construction sector.

Fourth year apprentice electrician Sarah Tabone is currently working at the Homes Victoria construction site in Ascot Vale – where half of the site’s trainee and apprentice workforce is made up of women.

The 39-year-old, who decided she wanted to change careers and learn a trade four years ago, said the campaign demonstrates how accessible the construction industry is to women.

“I wanted to show other women that opportunities are there and the door is open.,” Ms Tabone said.

Sarah Tabone, Lily Blandford and Maisarah Ghazali-Wilson have built careers in Victoria’s construction sector. Picture: Tim Carrafa

“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.”

Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas said the campaign will promote changing “the status quo” surrounding the male-dominated field.

“There are many women with thriving careers in the construction industry and it’s important to highlight those stories because it’s hard to be what you can’t see. Representation and visibility matter.”

Building Industry Consultative Council Chair Rebecca Casson said the campaign will celebrate grater diversity, equity and inclusion in the construction sector.

“Women still make up just 2.5 per cent of all building and construction trades workers in Victoria,” Ms Casson said,

“Women are making a valuable contribution to the industry and it’s important that their influence is acknowledged through campaigns like ‘She Built It’.”

The campaign will run from Monday across radio, news outlets and streaming services.

It supports Labor’s Building Equality Policy, which requires women to be represented in at least three per cent of trade roles and 35 per cent of management, supervisor and specialist labour roles at major government building projects.