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Paving the way for women in construction
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Public sector residential aged care 07 March 2025

Paving the way for women in construction

It’s Women in Construction Week!

2-8 March 2025 is Women in Construction Week – celebrating and promoting the role of women in the construction industry. In recognition, we spoke to women students at the beginning of their construction careers.

More women in construction will benefit everyone in the industry – and the community.

In 2023, women made up 15 per cent of the Australian building and construction workforce. However, only about three percent were on the tools.

Holmesglen Institute, a leading provider of vocational and higher education, is paving the way with a women-only construction course designed to inspire women to a career in construction. Hear all about the students’ recent visit to one of the Victorian Health Building Authority’s busy construction sites.

A construction course exclusively for women

The Certificate II in Construction Pathways, offered by Holmesglen Institute, is designed for women aspiring to pursue trade careers traditionally dominated by men. The course offers a unique opportunity to explore various trade skills like carpentry, joinery, and general construction.

‘The feedback we get is that the students feel more comfortable being in a class with all women. They feel they can try the new tasks and that it is a comfortable environment for them to learn in. They all work so well together and are always helping one another.’

Kell Herbert, teacher, Certificate II in Construction Pathways

A key focus for the women taking the course is to gain exposure to the many careers available in construction – including services trades, site supervision and management.

For Certificate II in Construction Pathways students Emma Angstmann and Pearl Renehan, taking the course helped them to get a sense of the options available.

‘I took the course to get a feel for what the construction industry can include and what trade I enjoyed the most. This helped me decide on what type of apprenticeship I would like to take on,’ says Pearl.

Emma had a strong interest in getting into the trades but wasn't sure where to begin.

‘The course was a perfect introduction. I felt encouraged to ask questions, try new things, and push myself beyond my comfort zone. The camaraderie and shared experiences with other women pursuing similar goals created a strong sense of community and motivation.’

Emma Angstmann, Certificate II in Construction Pathways student 2024

Stepping onto one of VHBA’s busy construction sites

As part of the course, Holmesglen Institute has partnered with Icon, our builder on the Kingston Centre residential aged care facility project, to take the students behind the scenes and see one of our construction sites in action.

A white building with lots of windows begins to take shape before a blue sky

The Kingston Centre residential aged care facility construction site in 2024

The students are hosted for a half-day site visit.

‘The Kingston Centre residential aged care facility project not only serves as a valuable asset for the community but has also provided an educational opportunity for students from the women-only Certificate II in Construction Pathways, in partnership between Icon and Holmesglen.’

Sophia Motamed, Principal Project Manager, Delivery, Victorian Health Building Authority

The session includes an induction process, meeting the project team, a site walk and an overview of construction activities. This is topped off with lunch with the team and subcontractors.

‘Visiting the Kingston construction site was a fantastic experience that really opened my eyes to what it’s like to work on a real construction site. I gained valuable insights into site safety, teamwork, and the day-to-day operations on a large-scale project.’

Emma Angstmann, Certificate II in Construction Pathways student 2024
A group of women from behind wearing hard hats and hi-vis vests that say 'Visitor'

Students on tour at the Kingston Centre residential aged care facility construction site in 2024 | Credit: Icon

The experience gives the students an opportunity to explore different pathways available into construction and apprenticeships.

Certificate II in Construction Pathways teacher Kell Herbert describes the onsite visits as an eye-opening experience. ‘They show the students just how vast the choices are for them if they choose to go into this industry,’ she says.

Building confidence and overcoming stereotypes

A group of women standing at a construction site and smiling wearing white and pink hard hats and hi-vis vests

Students on tour at the Kingston Centre residential aged care facility construction site in 2024 | Credit: Icon

The Certificate II in Construction Pathways is helping to break down barriers for women in the construction industry.

‘It’s tough starting out. Everyone has to get used to seeing a girl onsite. I guess it’s a bit of a change to what they are used to.’

Pearl Renehan, Certificate II in Construction Pathways student 2024

‘I’ve seen that the industry is gradually changing,’ says Emma, ‘with more initiatives to support and encourage women to pursue careers in trades. Building confidence and finding supportive mentors and peers can make a significant difference.’

‘Learning from other women in the industry has been incredibly inspiring. Seeing their achievements and hearing their stories gave me confidence and motivation to pursue my own path.’

Emma Angstmann, Certificate II in Construction Pathways student 2024

Following completion of the Certificate II in Construction Pathways, Pearl has begun an apprenticeship in carpentry and one day hopes to become a builder. Emma has started an electrical apprenticeship and hopes to eventually specialise in commercial projects.

Changing demographics

Kell believes the demographics are changing. ‘We are seeing more women interested and going into in trades that years ago were solely male dominated, and the women are achieving great results in their chosen fields.’

'Having women in the construction industry brings diverse perspectives and fresh creativity, which results in better problem-solving and decision-making within teams. By challenging outdated gender stereotypes, it promotes gender equality and creates avenues for future generations of women to explore careers in construction. This not only strengthens the industry but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and forward-thinking workforce.’

Sophia Motamed, Principal Project Manager, Delivery, Victorian Health Building Authority
A group of people stand proudly in hard hats and hi-vis vests up high on a construction site

VHBA CEO Priscilla Radice (second from right) on-site at the tour at the Frankston Hospital redevelopment in early 2025 with (from left) Jana Gazarek, Executive Director Operations, Peninsula Health, Sarah Hose, Project Director, Peninsula Health, Amelia

A man and two women stand smiling in hi-vis vests and hard hats

VHBA CEO Priscilla Radice (right) touring the new Footscray Hospital construction site in early 2025 with Garry Jackson, Executive Director, VHBA and Lucy Cole, Executive Project Director, VHBA

About the Kingston Centre residential aged care facility

Artist impression of the main entrance to the Kingston Centre aged care facility including a walkway and gardens

Artist impression of the Kingston Centre residential aged care facility.

Located in Cheltenham, this facility has been carefully designed to create a safe, comfortable and home-like feel for residents.

It will provide modern single rooms with private ensuite bathrooms, in an environment that feels like home.

The surrounding natural environment features in the design. Residents will have access to open area views, terraces, gardens, and lots of natural light.

‘The new facility is designed to promote best-practice care with a focus on independence, privacy, and dementia-friendly features.’

Sophia Motamed, Principal Project Manager, Delivery, Victorian Health Building Authority

There will be spaces for social interactions between residents, families and the community. These will include:

  • a community room
  • reflection space
  • other common areas.

Learn more about the Kingston Centre residential aged care facility via our dedicated project page.

With thanks to Icon for facilitating interviews and images.

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Last updated: 07 March 2025