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The NSW Government is investing $20.2 million over three years to attract more women into the construction industry, with a focus on increasing the number of women in trade and non-traditional roles.
Women in Construction Program
The NSW Government is investing $20.2 million in the Women in Construction program over three years. The program aims to attract and retain more women into the construction industry, with a focus on increasing the number of women in trade and non-traditional roles.
The Women in Construction Program has five objectives:
- An increased number of women are working in the construction sector, ideally in trade and non-traditional roles.
- There is a pipeline of women educating/training to meet demand.
- Increased workplace flexibility in the construction sector.
- Culture change on construction sites so that the construction industry is one that people want to work in.
- Partnership between government and industry to achieve this goal.
Key program achievements
- $3.7M was allocated to 21 successful recipients under Year 1 of the Industry Innovation Program (IIP). These projects were finalised in July 2024.
- $2.2M was allocated to 13 successful recipients under Year 2 of the Industry Innovation Program– these projects kicked off in July 2024.
- 19 Project Officers have been embedded across 21 NSW Government major infrastructure projects as part the Women in Construction Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program.
- A first of its kind, the Women in Construction industry survey was undertaken in July 2023, shedding light on the experience of women in the industry. The results of the survey have been published in a Survey Report.
- In 2024, the second annual survey was shared across the industry – the results of which will build on our baseline data, providing critical insight into construction sector sentiment and inform the direction of the Women in Construction Program. The survey findings will be made available on the Women in Construction website.
- Creation of a quarterly Women in Construction newsletter sharing information and initiatives from across the industry - Subscribe here
- The “Hard Work Knows No Gender” campaign continues to be rolled out across construction sites in NSW, highlighting the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity in construction. The campaign materials are available here.
The Women in Construction Program is being delivered in close partnership between Infrastructure NSW and Department of Education. In addition, an Industry Advisory Group provides on the ground industry perspective and insights from peak bodies, associations, unions, subcontractors and head contractors, including both men and women in executive and non-executive roles.
Women in Construction focused Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program
The Women in Construction Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program (WIC ISLP) is a key initiative of the NSW Government Women in Construction Program to increase the number of women working in construction.
As part of the WIC ISLP, the NSW Government will fund a minimum of 19 project officers to be embedded on 21 infrastructure project sites across the state. The project officers will work with industry to drive change from the project level and support subcontractors to meet the WIC ISLP targets of 4% target for women in trade roles and 7% in non-traditional roles.
The project officers will play a key role in supporting contractors and subcontractors by leveraging their connections with education institutions and industry to attract and retain women on site, build a network of women in construction, and identify upskilling, training and improvement opportunities.
The WIC focused ISLP models the same approach used to pilot the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program (ISLP).
Industry Innovation Program
The NSW Government Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program (IIP) provides grants to construction industry organisations, including associations and contractors, to boost the number of women working in construction trade and non-traditional roles.
Projects will be funded under the IIP to support a range of industry-led initiatives across the state to:
- increase the number of women working in construction
- improve workplace culture
- create inclusive and safe work environments
- empower women in leadership roles.
Increasing the representation of women across all levels of construction, in particular leadership roles, is a significant step to creating a more gender balanced construction industry.
The IIP is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $20.2 million Women in Construction Program.
IIP Year 1 Case Studies
As funding from Year 1 of the Industry Innovation Program (IIP) has finished, we’re sharing case studies from Year 1 funding recipients, highlighting initiatives that aim to improve the participation and retention of women working in the construction sector.
These case studies highlight the importance of diversity programs and how they can lead to better outcomes for the industry.
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McConnell Dowell WINTR is Coming project (PDF 354.24KB)
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ADCO - 'Girls Who Build' program case study (PDF 507.45KB)
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Laing O'Rourke Coaching for Progression case study (PDF 461.55KB)IIP Year 2
Successful recipients for IIP Year 2 have been announced.
For more information, visit NSW Government grants portal.
Please direct all questions regarding the IIP to wic@det.nsw.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
Commonly asked questions and responses are available in the