Construction workers are stepping up to lift women's participation in the industry by showing their support through the Male Allies Challenge.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles today launched the challenge in New South Wales, as part of a push to support more women to build long-term careers in the construction industry.
The program is a key component of Allyship in Action, a $5 million initiative delivered through the Albanese Government's Building Women's Careers (BWC) Program.
Allyship in Action is actively engaging men in driving gender equality, fostering inclusive workplaces, and dismantling systemic barriers that disadvantage women in work.
The Male Allies Challenge delivers free, practical online training to help men recognise everyday bias and the barriers women face at work, including how everyday actions like inappropriate language can shape workplace culture. The training can be completed on a phone, tablet or computer, ensuring workers across all construction settings can take part.
Women make up only about 13 per cent of Australia's building and construction workforce, with only about three per cent working on the tools. This is a statistic the Albanese Government is working hard to change.
Isabella Gilbert, an apprentice working on the Warringah Freeway Project with CPB Contractors, highlighted how support from colleagues has helped her advance from a Junior Engineer to Site Engineer and now Project Engineer.
"At the Warringah Freeway Project, allyship isn't a checkbox, it's how we work - men and women supporting each other to deliver a high-quality project, safely and efficiently in a complex environment. It's great to see programs like NAWIC's Allyship in Action which foster a work environment where women can contribute fully, progress their careers meaningfully, and be valued as essential members of the delivery team" she said.
Rob Monaci from CPB Contractors said the training was already seeing strong participation from men at the company.
"As an industry, we have a way to go on our diversity journey. Progress requires ongoing effort and accountability from everyone, which is why programs like the Male Allies Industry Challenge are important" he said.
Allyship in Action is one of 20 projects funded through the Government's $60 million BWC Program. It is being delivered by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in partnership with ADCO Constructions, CPB Contractors, the Australian Workers' Union and Holmesglen Institute.
Now entering its second year, the BWC Program is supporting 175 organisations across every state and territory to dismantle long‑standing structural and cultural barriers facing women in male‑dominated sectors of construction, clean energy, technology and digital and advanced manufacturing.
Individuals and organisations can register to take part in the online Male Allies Training Course via the NAWIC website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"Women continue to encounter systemic and cultural barriers in trades and technical fields. Case studies show workplace culture and recruitment practices continue to deter women from entering and staying in the construction industry.
"Supporting workers to call out outdated attitudes and foster positive culture change strengthens the entire construction workforce. That cultural shift is essential if we are to deliver the projects communities depend on.
"Increasing women's participation is not only the right thing to do, it's critical to ensuring we build a workforce that can meet New South Wales' growing infrastructure and housing needs."
Quotes attributable to CEO of the National Association of Women in Construction, Cathryn Greville:
"The launch of the Male Allies Industry Challenge in New South Wales represents an important step forward in engaging the industry to take practical action on culture.
"Allyship in Action is about equipping individuals and organisations with the tools to be part of the solution. We know that real change happens when people feel confident to speak up, challenge behaviours and lead by example.
"This initiative is designed specifically for the construction and built environment, using realistic scenarios and practical strategies that reflect the day-to-day experiences of our workforce.
"By engaging men as allies, we are not only supporting women to enter and stay in the industry but strengthening the entire sector for the future."
