She Builds The Future – Paving the Way For Women in Construction

Written by FTMA’s Kat Welsh

On the 14th May, a launch occurred for a new platform.

She Builds the Future, is now live – A combined effort from MiTek Australia, and the Housing Industry Association (HIA), to promote the construction industry, trades, and frame and truss, as a rewarding place for women to work.

This fantastic initiative works in many ways – showcasing what the different roles are within construction; training pathways; options on how to get into specific trades jobs; what the current percentages are of women currently working in that role; and also provides details of women successfully in those areas.

Where did the inspiration come for She Builds The Future?

Nicole Tyquin, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager for MiTek, was asked to promote a children’s book, originally pitched for young children with American terminology. It is a wonderful picture book with each page showing women trades persons, contributing to building a house. It’s aim, to assist young children in seeing that women have a place in construction.  

The book was adapted for the Australian market, with Australian job titles. But, then begs the question, what next? What is there for older girls and young women, to assist them pursuing a career as a carpenter? A tiler? Or a frame and truss manufacturer?

“We work with The House That She Built book globally and that’s just served as an inspiration, I guess for the project. And, then we’ve brought it to life with the HIA.”

The things that brings obvious meaning to She Builds The Future, is you Can be what you SEE. The stories on offer from the talented women are beautifully told. The reader learns about the passions and insights of each person, and what drew them into their chosen pathway. It provides insight into skills that many women have, that 100% could benefit them with a career in the construction industry.

“Young women need to understand a day in the life, and understand how it’s practical… this is why it was important to us to position this,” said Nicole, “Bringing the theories to life with real world stories.”

It’s not just about advertising career prospects for young women though. Industries that have been traditionally male, can be a daunting place to find the door in the glass wall.  Knowing that there are women openly encouraged, accepted, and are experiencing rewarding careers alongside men, is a big step in widening that door for future young women to enter. “This isn’t about just about flagging women. This is about showing that men value women in the industry and the contribution that they can make.”

Creating diversity in the workforce, when embraced and supported, leads to innovation. MiTek recently had a stand at the Bowens’ Women in Trade event in Melbourne. And it was important for the men to show their support of women in trade. Men showing that they welcome diversity, is essential, for the growth of the industry.

A large proportion of women currently working in construction have found their way there through, e.g. a family business. What She Builds The Future aims to do is promote construction as a deliberate and rewarding choice for women – without having any previous knowledge or exposure to it – increasing the women within the industry, who may never have considered it.

When having a look through the She Builds The Future website, The Truss Detailer category is a great one to look at, for FTMA News readers. It gives concise information on what the role is, and how to get qualified. The woman sharing her story for this category, is Amy Woods from FTMA member Redland Bay Roof Trusses.

Amy Wood. Truss Detailer at Redland Bay Roof Trusses. Photo Credit She Builds The Future website.

Amy Wood, Truss Detailer from Redland Bay Roof Trusses (RBRT), and Drew Parker, CEO of RBRT are both passionate about creating and promoting an industry based on equality. “We are proud of our female staff and want to shine a light, show our appreciation, and hope in a way to encourage other women in our industry and other employers,” said Drew, in regards to their involvement with She Builds The Future, and the ongoing promotion of construction being open and accepting. 

Drew: “I think the sector needs all the help it can get! We’ve got another half of the population we can pull from, and there’s so much opportunity and potential that women can find in the construction industry. So it’s important for both in the sector’s ability to delivery all of the projects required for the Australian people, and important in empowering women to discover and find opportunities, a career in one of the biggest markets in the economy.”

She Builds The Future outlines the skill sets involved with each role, and presents it as “…these are the skills required for the job. Do you have those skills sets? Do you have that interest?” said Nicole. It’s making it relatable. It’s making it achievable. “Bringing it to life, in a way that gives them real tools to find the pathway. The website provides the pathway, how to reasonably work through these careers. It’s creating something that’s tangible.”

It’s not about just bringing women in to tick certain boxes. It’s about recognising that the industry is here and it’s open for women who enjoy the idea of these roles, and have promising skillsets or initial interests to build on. Regardless of gender, skills can be taught and flourish, if given the opportunity.

I found my way into the industry by chance, and I couldn’t have imagined a better career. Like many, I had a limited view of what construction involved – I thought it was all hard hats, work boots and heavy lifting. I had no idea there were roles like detailing that focus on analysis, mathematics, problem solving and critical thinking. These are skills that many women naturally excel at, yet we often pursue careers that are more visible or traditionally associated with women. That’s why it’s so important to actively promote this sector, when we show the full spectrum of roles available, we give more women the opportunity to find work that truly fits their strengths and ambitions,” said Amy.

Nicole talked about it as an ‘interest gap’ – the careers haven’t openly been pitched to women traditionally, and there is an unconscious block for many. “How do we build the interest gap,” said Nicole, “how do we inspire people through understanding, of what a great career they could have within this industry… it’s about inspiring interest into the field, and the value from the industry, to see the value.”

“When companies have diverse teams of people with different backgrounds and perspectives, everyone can bring their different strengths to the table and collaborate to produce a great result. Diversity naturally leads to innovation. When more women join the sector and are successful in their jobs, they will help pave the way for future female candidates and shape the standard of what success looks like. When I was first starting out in construction, I worked alongside some women who are absolute powerhouses, they showed me that it’s possible to rise and become a fantastic, knowledgeable leader. Seeing their success showed me what my future might evolve into if I work hard, and motivated me to persevere through some hard challenges,” said Amy. 

It’s wonderful to see Amy now leading by example as well, and being involved in this project.

FTMA is passionate in supporting and promoting opportunities for women in the sector. The women that have come from family industry businesses are the backbone of most of them, and the women that have come into the sector accidentally, love it. FTMA absolutely backs any initiative that would make these opportunities more transparently open and an easy choice for more women to make, knowing it will be a fantastic career path.

Drew: “As a person who believes in rewarding/employing by capacity, merit and effort and not by gender or race, I think it’s great [encourgaing women into the industry]. Different skills, experiences and perspectives are all great things to a business, but still need to be aligned with the values, culture and strategic direction.

Although the industry is still predominately male dominated, be confident, back yourself, that’s what employers are looking for in all staff. Find a business with a strong respectful culture that aligns with you. Remember you’re interviewing the business too.”

And, Amy’s advice to girls and women considering a career in construction or frame and truss?

“The learning curve can seem endless, but when you persevere through it, it becomes easier and easier as your knowledge builds on itself. Confidence comes with experience, so try and find someone who can mentor you and help you work through challenges as you build up your knowledge. In male-dominated industries such as construction, there’s a pre-conceived idea of what a successful employee and effective leader look like. Don’t feel like you need to change yourself to match the ideal, show your employer why your unique skills benefit the company, and show everyone what you have to offer.”

Thanks to Nicole Tyquin, Amy Wood, and Drew Parker, for your collaboration with the article, and the supporting of equlity and growth in the sector.

Please check out the She Builds The Future website, and follow on social media. Make sure you’re promoting this worthwhile initiative and helping to develop the future of frame and truss.

Follow She Builds The Future on Facebook and LinkedIn