HIA uses International Women’s Day to urge more women into residential building roles
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has linked Australia’s housing shortage and skills gap to the need for more women to enter the residential construction workforce, using International Women’s Day to call for greater female participation across the sector.
“With Australia facing a significant housing shortage and growing demand for skilled workers, attracting more women into the industry will be critical to delivering the homes Australia needs,” said Jocelyn Martin, managing director at the Housing Industry Association.
Residential building remains a major driver of housing supply and demand for mortgage finance, yet women account for only a small share of the labour pool. HIA estimates that women currently represent about 15% of Australia’s construction workforce, leaving what the association sees as considerable scope to broaden participation across trades, technical and professional roles.
“Residential construction is one of Australia’s most dynamic industries and offers a huge variety of career pathways, both on and off the tools,” Martin (pictured right) said.
“While many people still picture construction as a traditional trades job, the reality is the industry includes everything from project management and design through to manufacturing, technology and business leadership roles.
“Women bring valuable skills, perspectives and leadership to the sector and we want to see more women recognising construction as a rewarding and long-term career option.”
For Martin, increasing the number of women in construction is not only important for diversity but also essential to addressing the industry’s ongoing workforce shortages.
“Encouraging more women into construction is one of the most practical ways to strengthen the industry’s workforce and ensure we have the skills needed to deliver the homes Australians need,” she added.
“A career in residential building provides opportunities for creativity, problem solving and practical achievement, along with the satisfaction of helping create homes and communities for Australian families.
“It is also an industry that offers strong career progression, the chance to run your own business, and the flexibility to work across a wide range of roles.”
Industry initiatives that promote pathways for women into construction are also expected to help change long‑held perceptions about the sector.
“HIA has launched the ‘She Builds the Future’ initiative in partnership with MiTek, aimed at showcasing the many career opportunities available across home building and encouraging young women to explore the industry,” Martin said.
“It helps young women understand that there are many pathways into construction, whether that is through apprenticeships, vocational education, university study or careers in manufacturing, design and business management.”
For HIA, early engagement is central to building a more diverse pipeline of talent into the trades and related professions.
“As part of the program, we have also released the Australian edition of ‘The House That She Built’, a children’s book designed to introduce young girls to the world of construction and the many roles involved in building a home,” she said.
“By showing young people what the industry looks like and the opportunities available, we can help ensure the next generation of women see construction as an exciting and rewarding career.
“A more diverse workforce brings new ideas, skills and perspectives that strengthen the industry and help it continue to evolve.”
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