The $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct (JHHIP) is giving young women the opportunity to take a hands-on approach and build skills to support a career in construction through the Jump Start program.
The project is part of the NSW Government's Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program (ISLP) which aims to develop skills, capability, and capacity in the construction industry and increase diversity on building sites. Women are playing a key role supporting construction of the JHHIP, currently representing around 14 per cent of the project's workforce.
The Jump Start program is one initiative developed by building contractor Multiplex, in partnership with the NSW Government Women in Construction focused ISLP, which is aimed at supporting women and creating pathways to showcase the diverse trade and tertiary career opportunities in the construction industry.
The program offers a range of activities, including site visits and workshops with project sub-contractors, specifically designed for female students in Years 10 to 12 who are interested in careers in the building trades - such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, or site supervision - as well as tertiary education pathways.
Zali Kilgour is one of more than 120 women to participate in the Jump Start program through the John Hunter Hospital project. After undertaking training, Zali is now employed as an apprentice plumber with a subcontractor on the project.
Another three recent Jump Start participants have been awarded scholarships to undertake work experience and are now pursuing studies in built environment degrees.
The project is tracking well towards the NSW Government trial targets to increase the number of women in construction trades. To date, women in trades represent three per cent of the trades workforce, exceeding the NSW Governments current target of two per cent.
Construction for the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is continuing, with the new clinical services building expected to be completed in 2026.
For more information on the redevelopment visit the project website: www.nsw.gov.au/john-hunter-redevelopment
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"The $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, which is part of the NSW Government's Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program, is a great example of fostering an environment which supports, trains and upskills women interested in building a rewarding career in construction.
"Zali's journey highlights the important role the Jump Start program and major infrastructure projects like the JHHIP project play in supporting women and creating opportunities for rewarding careers in construction.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:
"The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is one of the biggest regional health projects we've seen and it's a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on what it's like to work in construction.
"I've been out to the Precinct and it's great to see so many women on site, working across a range of roles. They're showing just how much talent and opportunity exists in this industry.
"This redevelopment isn't just about better healthcare. It's about creating jobs, boosting the local economy and building skills for the future - and backing women to be part of that is a win-win for the whole community."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan:
"Increasing diversity on our worksites brings fresh perspectives and can help foster more inclusive, innovative workplaces.
"We're committed to working with our industry partners to create more opportunities for women in construction and to build a stronger and more sustainable industry that better reflects the communities we serve.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:
"The Jump Start program is an important step in ensuring women have access to career opportunities and pathways in construction, in an industry that is evolving to become more inclusive.
"Initiatives like these help lay the foundation for women to launch careers in construction, offering real-world experience alongside free and subsidised training through TAFE NSW, Skills NSW and Smart and Skilled.
"We're actively working with employers such as Multiplex, to empower women to consider a career in construction, so we can build a a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry. "
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:
"It's so important to have more women in construction roles and this is a great initiative by the NSW Government to increase female participation in a traditionally male dominated sector.
"Our TAFE's are world leading vocational education providers so it makes sense that we should be using them and Government projects like the John Hunter redevelopment to increase skills development in young women for their future careers."
Quotes attributable to Zali Kilgour, apprentice working on the John Hunter Health and Innovation project:
"After going through the Jump Start Program, I had more confidence to pursue a trade and now here I am, helping to deliver a huge construction job that will care for the people of my community."
Quotes attributable to NSW Managing Director, Multiplex, David Ghannoum:
"Multiplex is committed to attracting and retaining more women in our industry.
"We created our Jump Start program to show young women that construction is a viable, varied and rewarding career choice.
"It's been wonderful to see our JHHIP project, people and partners come together to inspire the next generation of local women in construction."
