Following the implementation of a new policy mandate for government projects in 2022, females will no longer be a rare sight in Victoria's construction industry.
The Victorian Government, in an Australian first, has acted to ensure that females have opportunities in the male-dominated construction industry under the new Building Equality Policy.
Women must make up at least 3% of trade roles, 7% of non-trade positions, and 35% of managerial, supervisory, and expert labour roles in government projects worth $20 million or more, according to the policy.
Women must be given 4% of the labour hours for apprentices and trainees.
The programme will take effect in January, but there will be a two-year transition period.
Failure to meet female representation rules will result in penalties by 2024.
In the last 30 years, women have made up only two to three percent of the Victorian building business.
Engineer Melanie Langlois, who works on the Metro Tunnel Project, supports the notion of bringing more women into the business.
