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Women in Construction: Breaking the Bias

March 16, 2022 | Events, Recent News

‘The strength of the Skills & Jobs Centre lies not only in its attendance to individual client needs, but also in strong partnerships with community and local industry, linking training and skills development to relevant employment opportunities and local economy growth.’

International Women’s Day (IWD) – March 8 – is a global day which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day marks an annual call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The theme for IWD in 2022 was ‘Break the Bias’, a chance for us all to imagine a gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, where diversity, equity and inclusivity are valued and celebrated. Victoria University Polytechnic’s Skills & Jobs Centre (SJC) marked this occasion as it is especially well-placed to promote the focus message via close work with individuals from a variety of marginalised and diverse backgrounds. In 2022, the SJC was involved in various IWD events to both celebrate the achievements of women, particularly those in the construction sector, and facilitate future engagement with employment, education and training opportunities. Most notably:

On March 8th, SJC staff were invited to attend an inclusive, interactive IWD event onsite with staff working on the Westgate Tunnel Project (WGTP) at their West Melbourne facility. Visitors were able to access the site to observe progress, learn about numerous construction and logistical elements and hear from selected women working on the build including those involved in Engineering, HR, Security, Project Management, Construction and Industrial Relations. Attendance at this event provided excellent opportunities for networking and access to upcoming employment prospects.

On March 10th, SJC staff attended an IWD event hosted by Multiplex’s Connectivity Centre at the New Footscray Hospital (NFH) Jobs Hub. Attended by representatives across all levels from organisations including Multiplex, Apprenticeships Victoria and VU Polytechnic’s Skills & Jobs Centre, this event allowed for additional networking for those involved in the development of the New Footscray Hospital, an exciting project currently underway as part of Victoria’s Big Build. Once again, this event provided a great opportunity for professional networking, relationship-building and further information about how to access jobs with the project.

Observing progress on the WGTP on a tour guided by women currently working on the project

Amy Sheane-Smith, Construction Manager, Multiplex. Working on the New Footscray Hospital build, delivers an inspirational address at the Multiplex Connectivity Centre IWD event at the NFH Jobs Hub

Apprenticeship Support Officer, Kylie Bell (based at the VU Polytechnic SJC) describing her experiences on film for Apprenticeships Victoria at the Multiplex Connectivity Centre IWD event at the NFH Jobs Hub

For further information on how to access our services, including employment opportunities, individual career counselling and online workshops visit: sjc@vu.edu.au