Programs

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 23 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 report can be found here.
• 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.