More females choosing a future in building
The number of
women apprentices has effectively
doubled. BCITO chief executive Toby
Beaglehole
career in the construction industry. “Women can go into the construction industry with the knowledge that there are numerous opportunities for them, as much as there is for men.”
BCITO chief executive Toby Beaglehole said they had 112 female apprentices aged 18 to 62 on their books.
Beaglehole said in the past three years more women nationwide had signed up for training with BCITO, which manages apprenticeships for the building and construction industry. “Rising from 2 per cent to over 4 per cent, the number of women apprentices has effectively doubled.”
New Zealanders’ perceptions of trade careers were changing, he said. “An increased awareness of the many opportunities in trade careers is encouraging more women to give it a go.”
There had never been a better time to sign up with the Government incentives of free training and apprenticeship boost, he said. “It’s a welcome development to see more women joining the traditionally male-dominated industries.”
But Beaglehole said there was still a long way to go and BCITO hoped to raise the percentage of female apprentices by 2025.
National Women in Construction Bay of Plenty chapter chairwoman Lynette Oxford said the organisation launched on March 3 last year and has 69 members in their mid20s to 60s. Since lockdown, Oxford said the membership had grown
“remarkably”.
Oxford said women brought a different perspective to the construction industry and provided a collective voice, as well as providing a wider talent pool. “It has also been said that by bringing women into a male-dominated workplace, it creates a less harsh, more respectful, environment and the general morale of employees can be increased.”
NAWIC, which aims to be the leading voice for women in the construction sector, holds regular events focusing on technical and professional development to inform and upskill women in the industry. The membership includes quantity surveyors, project managers, suppliers, planners, designers, architects, engineers, tradespeople, students, salespeople, apprentices, health and safety managers and lawyers.
Oxford said it was a great time to consider a career in construction. “We have seen many women from other working backgrounds change to a successful career in construction. We also want tradie dads to remember to hire their daughters.”