Twelve Northern Rivers residents are celebrating the completion of a groundbreaking program designed to build essential skills and unlock employment pathways for women in civil construction.
TAFE NSW Ballina said in a statement, ‘As one of the fastest growing regions in NSW, the Northern Rivers is seeing significant investment in infrastructure, including more than $150 million in flood resilience projects and major upgrades to evacuation routes, driving demand for a skilled construction workforce locally’.
‘Delivered in collaboration with Ballina Shire Council, Complete Staff Solutions and TAFE NSW Ballina, the Women in Civil Construction program has provided participants from a range of professional and cultural backgrounds with theoretical and hands-on skills needed for entry level jobs in the sector.
‘Students were put through their paces, learning basic levelling and concreting skills and building knowledge in construction materials and workplace health and safety to complete a Certificate II in Civil Construction – a nationally recognised qualification that can lead to employment and further study. Participants connected with industry experts and apprentices at various stages of their careers and were introduced to job opportunities in the region’.
From a family of tradespeople
One participant, 17-year-old Charlotte Hape, comes from a family of tradespeople and joined the program to find out if civil construction was the right career for her.
‘I always knew a hands-on job was in my future but after I finished school, I was unsure which trade to go into,’ said Ms Hape.
‘I’ve loved learning about how structural foundations are laid and the capabilities of different construction materials. “Not only has the program given me a better understanding of what a job in civil construction looks like but it’s helped me decide that I want to get my apprenticeship,’ added Ms Hape.
TAFE NSW Ballina say, ‘According to Infrastructure Australia, national construction workforce shortages are expected to reach 300,000 by 2027, while women currently occupy only around 4 per cent of trade roles across the industry’.
Joshua Roach, TAFE NSW Civil Construction Teacher and Assessor, says it couldn’t be a better time for women to consider a career in civil construction’.
‘Against the backdrop of skill shortages and a booming infrastructure sector here in the Northern Rivers, it presents an exciting opportunity for women seeking a hands-on career,” said Mr Roach. “The Women in Civil Construction program provides an inclusive and supportive environment for female students at different stages of life to get a taste of what the sector has to offer, build essential skills, and gain industry knowledge,’ added Mr Roach.
For Katheryn Curnow, Coordinator People and Culture at Ballina Shire Council, the program represents an investment in both people and place — supporting women into rewarding careers while also addressing our region’s future workforce needs.
‘We are incredibly proud of the collaboration with Complete Staff Solutions and TAFE NSW Ballina,’ said Ms Curnow. ‘One of the biggest challenges in diversifying any industry is creating a pipeline of skilled women candidates. By bringing together training providers, industry partners and employers, we have designed a program where women receive the support, skills and real-world exposure needed to set them up for success in Civil Construction’.
‘Our aim is that this program will not only challenge outdated stereotypes — but be part of an ongoing solution in the Northern Rivers Region to build a stronger, more diverse and skilled workforce for the future.’ added Ms Curnow.
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