The ACT Government is encouraging women to consider careers in Canberra’s construction industry through an innovative training program.

The Women in Construction program, which recently received recognition in the ACT Training Awards, encourages women and gender diverse Canberrans to enter the construction industry through a traineeship or apprenticeship pathway.

Over five weeks, the program combines theory and practical hands-on learning with site tours, work preparation sessions and training courses to prepare participants for their placements.

Kaitlyn Lucas is a first-year electrical apprentice who is currently working on the new CIT campus in Woden.  She says the Women in Construction program set her up with the qualifications and confidence, to pursue a career in construction.

“A lot of the program was preparing for construction, so getting your basic qualifications, basic cards to get on site, elevated work platforms training, and first aid, which is important,” she said.  

“My goal now is to get my qualification, and then one day I’d like to become a project manager.

“These skills and qualifications set you up. It’s a good starting point.”

As part of the program, participants undertake training courses including:

• Work safely with asbestos containing materials
• Identify and report asbestos containing materials
• Apply WHS requirements, policies, and procedures in the construction industry
• Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (White Card)
• Handle Construction Materials
• Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention
• Course in Workplace Impairment Prevention
• Bullying and Harassment and WHS Hazard Identification
• Gender Equity Awareness – Safe and Respectful Workplaces
• Workplace Mental Health Awareness.

Each program participant is also supplied with their own personal protective equipment.

Women in Construction Information Session 

An information session about the next round of the Women in Construction program will be held at the Canberra Institute of Technology in Bruce. All individuals seeking to be part of program must attend the session.

• Where: CIT Bruce
• When: Thursday 26 October 2023, 10:30am-12:30pm

The Women in Construction initiative receives funding support from the ACT Government through the Skilled to Succeed Innovation grants program.

Women in construction is delivered by Lendlease in collaboration with Major Projects Canberra and in partnership with Australian Training Company, The Umbrella Collective, Creative Safety Initiatives, The Canberra Institute of Technology, The ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority and Icon.

More on the CIT Woden Campus’ social objectives can be found online.

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