The construction and trade industries in Australia have historically been challenging for women to enter, with societal norms and workplace cultures often acting as barriers. However, programs like Habitat Women are creating pathways for women to enter these fields, offering training and support in a welcoming environment and future employment opportunities through the Habitat Women Social Enterprise. We recently spoke to Keils, a participant of the Habitat Women program, touching on issues like barriers in the construction industry and the power of learning in a supportive and safe environment.
Keils, joined the Habitat Women program in March 2024. Before this, she worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade. Keils had always harbored an interest in the trade industry since leaving school but felt that the environment was not conducive to her joining at the time. The Habitat Women program provided her with a long-awaited opportunity to pursue her passion in a supportive setting.
Much like the other participants, Keils’ only had positive things to say about her experience with Habitat Women. She describes the program as a gateway into a field she previously thought inaccessible. Saying she found the learning environment to be safe and inclusive, filled with kind hearted women who shared her enthusiasm for learning and growth. The program allowed her to engage with tools and techniques in a way she had always dreamed of, fostering her confidence and building her skill set.
The Habitat Women program has reignited Keils’ aspirations to enter the trade industry. Her excitement about learning new skills and working in a supportive environment has empowered her to consider career opportunities she once believed were out of reach.
“ I applied for it online and I got to speak to some wonderful people who encouraged me to join the course and I’ve just had the absolute best time learning with these beautiful women and getting into a field that I thought I didn’t have access to anymore.”
Keils’ story highlights the importance of programs like Habitat Women in breaking down barriers and encouraging women to pursue non-traditional career paths.
The construction industry in Australia is seeing gradual shifts towards greater gender diversity, but women still only make up a small percentage of the workforce, with an even smaller percentage doing tasks on the actual job site. Initiatives like the Habitat Women program are crucial in addressing this imbalance by providing women with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the trade and construction sectors. Habitat Women not only equips women with practical skills but also challenges societal norms, fostering a more inclusive industry environment.
Keils’ journey with the Habitat Women program exemplifies the transformative power of supportive educational initiatives in the construction industry. By offering a platform for women to learn and grow in a traditionally male-dominated field, Habitat Women is helping to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
For women considering a career in trades or construction, Keils’ message is clear: seize the opportunity and join Habitat Women. The experience is not only educational but also empowering, opening doors to a fulfilling and rewarding career. As Keils discovered, the time to break into the trade industry is now.
If you want to apply for the Habitat Women program and are ready build a new future for yourself fill out the application form here, or head to our website for more information
About Habitat Women
Habitat Women was established in 2022 as a social enterprise increase workforce participation of women in the building and maintenance industry. Women make up only 11% of the total industry workforce. Our program aims to increase female participation within the construction sector by providing women who face barriers to employment with training and career support to pave a pathway into the construction industry, and experience through our social enterprise – Habitat Women Maintenance.
This program will aim to:
•Empower women to gain access and find employment in the maintenance and repairs sector
•Partner with value-aligned partners to repair and maintain existing housing stock
•Increase the diversity of skills offered by women in the construction industry, and
•Generate an income for reinvestment into Habitat Women and Habitat for Humanity Australia’s other important programs.
Habitat Women is part of the international organisation Habitat for Humanity Australia.
