Traditionally, construction workers have been seen as burly blokes in Australia – but with construction companies starting to recognise the positive impact that female construction workers make, there’s never been a better time to work on a job site as a female.
Here are five of the top reasons to start working on construction sites.
1. The construction industry is growing
With the government looking to invest in infrastructure all over Australia, Australian trades people are looking at years and years of job security. Road projects, building projects and other construction jobs are in high demand, with many crews being employed before the next job even starts.
Plus, there’s construction work available almost everywhere, from Melbourne to New York city, so you can always travel, too! If you’ve ever thought about getting into construction, now is the time to do it!
Possible construction jobs include:
- Labourers
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Equipment managers
- Builders
- Bricklayers
- Tilers
There are a huge range of jobs within the construction sector, and figuring out which one you’re interested in is important. One of the best ways to do that is to do a short course, so make sure to check out this page on available courses.
2. The number of women in construction jobs in increasing every day
While previously the construction sector was almost entirely male dominated, more and more women are being tempted by high pay rates and job security.
It means that you’ll no longer be the only woman in a hard hat on the job site, making your job much easier. That said, it is still a male dominated industry – but that’s changing rapidly.
3. Guaranteed long hours and good pay
With such strong industry growth, the construction sector can offer you long hours and brilliant pay. Many young girls and women choose to join the female workforce in the building industry because they know it’s one of the highest paying jobs they can get.
You won’t be in a position where you go to work for a six hour shift and only get two hours the way people do in hospitality or retail. Plus, with overtime and penalty rates, and a strong union, you know you’ll be getting paid well for your time. Work hard for your pay, and you can afford to play hard too.
1.1 million people are currently employed in the construction industry – and that number is expected to grow.
4. Strong career progression opportunities
Many companies are making a strong push for gender diversity in every industry, and that includes in construction projects. Young women are being encouraged to consider career growth opportunities in fields that previously they would have had to fight to even get into, let alone to be considered for promotions in.
Nowadays, managing director, construction managers, project manager and more high level positions are considered fair game for the female workforce in construction – with the added bonus of being a potential role model for other women looking to become trades people.
AVERAGE HOURLY PAY FOR A CONSTRUCTION WORKER IN AUSTRALIA
$25.99
PLUS OVERTIME AND PENALTY RATES
5. Female workers have strong industry support
Women’s rights in the workplace are now a common conversation, and the construction and building industry recognises that. Groups like the national association of women in construction along with social media movements and sexual harassment training for male colleagues all mean that women are treated better than they ever have been – and when they’re not, there’s more support than ever before.
Trade unions also recognise the positive impact that women can have on construction sites and in building companies, meaning that as a female construction worker you’re likely to get more support and help than women in some other industries.
If you’re interested in a lifelong career, with strong growth opportunities and job security, then working in the construction field could be for you – especially if you’re a female worker. Job sites are no longer limited to men with women doing the administrative work, so get started with a course in construction today!
Read the full article by Adelaide Morse on Training.com.au here