The construction industry has long been a male-dominated field, but Habitat Australia’s Habitat Women program is changing that narrative. Now in its third year of operation, this transformative initiative is providing women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to carve out successful careers in building and construction.
At the heart of the Habitat Women program is a comprehensive training regimen that equips participants with essential skills in building repairs and maintenance. The curriculum covers a wide range of competencies, including:
- Tool Handling: Safe and effective use of construction tools.
- Technical Skills: Basic carpentry, painting, and repair techniques.
- Project Management: Understanding the workflow of construction projects.
- Workplace Safety: Adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
- Team Collaboration: Working effectively within a team environment.
These foundational skills not only prepare women for immediate roles in the industry but also lay the groundwork for further specialisation and advancement.
76% of graduates feel confident enough to apply for jobs in the construction sector.
88% report significant improvements in their overall well-being.
With 64 graduates to date, the program has created a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity.
The construction industry has long been a male-dominated field, but Habitat Australia’s Habitat Women
Graduates of the Habitat Women program find so many doors open to them post-completion of the program, here are just a few;
- Apprenticeships: Many continue their learning through formal apprenticeships, gaining hands-on experience.
- Employment in Construction: Some secure immediate employment within the building and construction sector.
- Roles Within Habitat Women: Graduates are offered employment opportunities in our social enterprise to support our repairs and maintenance service and other Habitat programs such as Brush with Kindness.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: Women have the skills to launch their own businesses within the construction and trade industry.
- Alternative Careers: The program has also been a springboard into other fields like teaching, IT, and health, demonstrating the versatility of the skills learned.
Real-World Experience and Community Impact
Over the past year, graduates have completed over 600 hours of repairs and maintenance for specialist housing and support providers across Sydney. This initiative creates further employment opportunities for our graduates, provide valuable hands-on experience in the construction sector as a pathway to further employment and provides affordable repairs and maintenance solutions to their properties, enabling improved housing and workplaces for our community.
Spotlight on Success: Elizabeth’s Journey with Habitat Women
Elizabeth had a diverse career before joining Habitat Women. She worked in communications and marketing for another charity for several years and before this was a piano teacher. She joined the Habitat Women program in March 2024, reigniting her long-held aspirations to work in an industry and role where she could persue a career where she could work with her hands, making things, and using tools.
“Honestly, I think my favourite thing is, is the people and just being able to come in and be myself and everyone is so encouraging and supportive and that has been really, really nice.”
— Elizabeth, Habitat Women Graduate
The most rewarding part of Elizabeth’s experience was working on-site at crisis housing with Habitat’s Brush with Kindness program. Her efforts in repairs and painting made a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Since graduating in March 2024, Elizabeth has been employed by the Habitat Women Social Enterprise as a Supervisor.
Elizabeth’s story is a testament to the program’s ability to inspire and equip women with the skills needed to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her journey highlights the importance of such initiatives in fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry whilst not sugarcoating the hardships and difficulties the women may face once they’re in the workforce, but rather offering them the support and skills they will need to succeed.
Elizabeth encourages other women who are considering joining the Habitat Women program to take the leap and sign up. She believes that the program offers valuable experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact
Now in its third year of running, Habitat Women is scaling up. Six cohorts will run in 2024 , amplifying the program’s impact. The focus remains on:
- Employment Opportunities: Creating more roles within the construction sector for women.
- Community Projects: Continuing to provide maintenance services that benefit the wider community.
- Wellbeing and Support: Ensuring participants not only gain skills but also improve their overall quality of life.
The Habitat Women program is more than just a training course; it’s a community and a catalyst for change. If you’re a woman looking to break into the construction industry or seeking a new career path that is both rewarding and impactful, consider joining.
If you would like to engage our Habitat Women team on upcoming repair and maintenance work, please visit: https://habitatwomen.org.au/repairs/
The Habitat Women is a program of Habitat for Humanity Australia. It is made possible through the generous support of the Office for Women, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet; Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, GHD Foundation, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Hilti and Barclays.
