Property Council of Australia's Girls in Property program will return to Canberra tomorrow, Wednesday 3 April, supporting the next generation of female property leaders and providing a pathway for high school girls to enter the Territory's property sector.
The program - which now forms part of a new ACT Government school subject for years 9 and 10 - will give students insights into the various career pathways available in property, including the opportunity to hear from industry leaders about their experiences, and the challenges and opportunities a career in property might present.
The 2024 Girls in Property program will take place at the University of Canberra. Students and teachers will spend the day participating in a program that includes keynote and panel discussions from female industry leaders as well as interactive elements such as activity stations and site tours.
"The property industry is such an important part of our social and economic landscape, and it's crucial that we're encouraging clear-eyed passion - as well as diversity - in our future generation of leaders," said Property Council of Australia's ACT and Capital Region Executive Director Shane Martin.
"We have made progress in terms of encouraging diversity, but there is more to be done. Property Council will continue to advocate for gender equality in the industry, and programs such as these are crucial to achieving that."
Of the significance of the program within the secondary school curriculum, Minister of Women Yvette Berry said:
"Increasing the number of women and girls entering male-dominated industries such as property and construction is important in breaking down barriers that prevent women and girls from pursuing careers in these industries."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at University of Canberra, Professor Michelle Lincoln, reinforced the opportunities the Girls in Property program provides to young women.
"This program provides an opportunity for girls to explore the myriad of career pathways available to them, and to provide guidance on educational pathways to enter the industry," said Prof Lincoln.
"The University offers industry-leading courses that facilitate access to the property and construction sector including architecture, building management and construction, to name a few. In addition, our students have access to cutting-edge workshops, the UC Building Information Modelling Hub and robotics coupled with practical Work-Integrated-Learning opportunities, which ensure that they are equipped with practical knowledge and industry awareness to succeed in their chosen career."
Following a successful pilot project in NSW in 2017, the Property Council rolled out the Girls in Property program nationally in 2018. More than 1,500 students have participated nationally in the program since its launch.
"It's great to see such interest from students in our ACT Public schools in getting involved in this nation-leading program," said Minister Berry.
