The construction industry has long been synonymous with male dominance, an emblem of physical prowess, and hard hats against a backdrop of steel and concrete. However, the winds of change are blowing, with women not just entering but also making significant strides in this field. In Australia, women in construction are gradually becoming a norm rather than an exception.
Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the impact women are making in the industry, and talk to three Kelm Hire employees, Sharelle, Lidiany, and Ariane, about their experiences.
Breaking Stereotypes and Building Careers
Sharelle, a hire controller, says ‘I found out a lot of new things about myself, and discovered I was more capable than I previously thought. There are huge opportunities for women in this industry if you just give it a shot!’
Inspiring Women in Construction
Despite women making up around 12% of the construction workforce in Australia, their influence is burgeoning. Women in the Australian construction industry exemplify strength, skill, and determination. They are project managers, engineers, construction workers, and, more importantly, role models inspiring a new generation to look beyond traditional gender roles.
Lidiany says she’s lucky to have been inspired by other women in the industry; ‘There are lots of very powerful women in construction as well who can inspire you and inspire more women to join.
Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success
The construction industry has more commonly been a career aspiration for men. The path for women to enter has been less clear-cut. However, with companies such as Kelm-Hire and the women currently working in the field, we are seeing a positive shift in the industry. Women in construction and the women at Kelm-Hire are now paving the way for future aspiring female workers and normalising women in the industry.
This spirit of leadership, perseverance and determination is exemplified in Ariane’s journey. ‘My first company was 90% men, which felt very strange. I just took the challenge and dealt with things my own way – don’t be afraid to do things your own way too!’
Sharelle added some more words of encouragement too; ‘Take a leap of faith in yourself! Remember that you have a skill that men don’t have, keep this in mind and let it empower you!
Why More Women Should Consider a Career in Construction
Construction is not just about physical labour; it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and project management. With a growing focus on gender diversity in the workplace, the construction industry is rife with opportunities for women. A career in construction offers a chance to leave a tangible legacy, achieve financial independence, and shatter glass ceilings, brick by brick.
The Struggles of Women in Construction
Despite the increasing numbers, women in the construction industry often contend with outdated perceptions and biases.
While things are improving, there’s still a way to go. Lidiany, a finance manager, said she’d like to see more flexibility for women to allow for maternity leave, and the flexibility required for people to manage the needs of their family and career, a delicate balancing act. ‘I’ve known a lot of women who’ve gone on maternity leave and come back to a different situation. I’d like to see more policies in support of women returning to work to make sure that women have a guaranteed equal opportunity of getting or securing a job as a man would.’
Kelm Hire’s recruitment and workplace policies include a strong focus on creating a flexible and supportive environment, aimed at helping our team members feel empowered to balance their work with caring for their families.
Why Women Should Consider Joining the Field
The construction industry offers women the opportunity to be at the forefront of building the future, whether that’s through physical craftsmanship or strategic planning.
Kelm is leading the charge in this movement, bringing a recruiting strategy designed to create and source inclusive roles based on ability, experience, and effort. Kelm understands that diversity in the team brings different skill sets, abilities, and methods of problem solving, so actively seeks to promote it through a range of inclusive hiring initiatives.
Women are not just joining construction; they are transforming it, proving that the industry is not about gender but about talent, drive, and the audacious belief that anyone can build, create, and lead.
While women are transforming the industry, it’s having an effect on them too. Sharelle says she ‘Feels like I’ve changed a lot as a person in this job and being part of this team – it’s become like a family.’
As this sector continues to evolve, it is paramount that the momentum is not only maintained but accelerated, ensuring women not only forge careers but also shape the future of construction.
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