Recognising the value of women to the industry
RMIT Professor Sarah Holdsworth said to increase the retention of women in the industry, we need to recognise that women want to work in the industry and are valuable to the industry.
“Creating meaningful workplace opportunities and ensuring that women with the skills and qualifications can access management and leadership opportunities are two important factors when it comes to retaining talent in the industry,” she said.
“Our research recognises that mentors and support networks, such as those provided by Hacer through the scholarship, are vital to providing women with recognition, credibility and support to enable positive workplace experiences.”
Course giving graduates the ability to work in any city, anywhere in the world
Construction is a unique industry, but a vital one. It occurs in every city, town and area that human beings inhabit, making the skills required to work in the industry varied and dynamic.
Olive said her time at RMIT prepared her well for the challenges of the workforce, and the graduate program at Hacer Group.
“As well as gaining theoretical knowledge, my four years studying at RMIT taught me the importance of collaboration, particularly when faced with a diverse group of students with variety of skills, as well as knowledge and experience,” she said.
“Assignments based on ‘real life’ scenarios helped me to develop my communication, time management and people skills.”
She said the graduate program had been instrumental in giving her the next level of practical skills that form the core of a successful career in the industry.
“Hacer Group's graduate program has given me insight into multiple facets of the business and the role each function plays in delivering projects,” said Olive.
“From my time spent in estimating, design and on site, I have come to understand the interdependences’ and how all areas of the business work collectively to deliver projects on time, on budget and to a high quality.”
Holdsworth said that gender equality represents a complex challenge and sustained change will only occur if interventions to address gender inequality are genuinely supported by all levels including at the board and senior management level.
“Interventions need to be targeted at implementing change across the entire construction industry ecosystem which is monitored, reported, and audited,” she said.
“Formal cadet and graduate recruitment programs provide organisational support essential to women entering the industry who are often a minority and feel isolated which, when coupled with inexperience, can result in heightened stress, anxiety, and self-doubt.”
A final year boost and a guaranteed entry point
The Hacer Women in Construction scholarship provides each recipient with $7,000 and a guaranteed paid position at Hacer Group in their industry-leading two-year graduate program upon finishing their degree.
By providing this opportunity to RMIT students, Hacer Group seeks to reduce the stigma of women entering the industry by offering a more inclusive experience in the office and on building sites. It also provides an attainable entry point to the construction industry straight after graduation.
Last year’s scholarship recipient Paris Laspas said this is a vital step to increase the number of women entering the industry.
“Working alongside experienced individuals who are a wealth of knowledge and who are willing to impart that knowledge has been the most valuable part of my experience,” she said.
“During the graduate program I developed a base level of knowledge on the differing stakeholders, regulatory requirements, materials and systems - administrative and practical. Further to this, I developed several primary skills, with the most important being time management.”
Laspas said that the next step in ensuring women enter and stay in the industry was peer-to-peer mentorship.
“Mentorship programs are instrumental in supporting young women entering the industry,” she said.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Machlin when asked what advice she would have for women who want to break into the industry.
“Look in all areas of the industry for inspiration and mentorship because there are plenty of women who will offer their support and leadership,” she said.
“Just because the industry is largely male dominated does not mean there is not space for you to work and thrive in it. Ask questions, be open to learning, and back yourself in.”
Applications for the 2024 Hacer Women in Construction Scholarship open 1 May.
In addition to its partnership with Hacer Group, the School of Property, Construction and Project Management has a range of other industry-partnered scholarships that support coursework and promote diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. Learn more.
