The Securing Futures – School to Work Transitions Program has been launched to help young women explore real, practical pathways into construction, at a time when skills shortages and workforce sustainability remain front-of-mind for builders and trades across the country.

A hands-on, confidence-building pathway bringing more women into construction Australia’s construction industry is facing one of the biggest workforce shortages in decades, but instead of just talking about the problem, AWIC (Australian Women in Construction) has decided to build the solution from the ground up.

The construction industry has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, yet for decades, it has remained one of the most male-dominated sectors. Women currently make up just 14 per cent of the national construction workforce, and only a small fraction occupy trade, technical or leadership positions.

When Awesome Women In Construction (AWIC) Founder Amanda Bulow learned she had been nominated for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards, her reaction was one of quiet disbelief.

For Ms Bulow, the nomination is a major personal and professional milestone, reflecting decades of commitment to the construction industry and to creating opportunities for women within it.

John Deere is sponsoring the Awesome Women in Construction awards in 2025. 

John Deere is helping Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) celebrate the achievements of women in the construction industry.

Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), of which Amanda is chief executive officer and founder, has connected thousands of women in Australia’s construction sector since that inaugural 2017 breakfast. The Queensland-based not-for-profit organisation has hosted the AWIC Awards annually since 2021 to further amplify and celebrate the achievements of women in the construction industry. The event will return later this year at Brisbane’s Pullman Hotel on October 10.

Machinery leader John Deere has thrown its support behind AWIC, a group dedicated to encouraging more women to join the construction sector.

The Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) is an industry-focused community group which works across all areas of Australia’s construction industry with one goal: the success of the construction industry with women at the table, in the room and on the tools.

John Deere has been a Diamond corporate partner of the AWIC’s annual awards since 2023, and will continue to support this event in 2025.

In 2025, Australia’s construction industry remains a powerhouse of economic growth, contributing over $360 billion to the national economy. Yet, the sector faces a growing challenge: a severe shortage of skilled labour, with a projected shortfall of 250,000 workers over the next five years. While the demand for talent is soaring, women continue to be underrepresented, making up less than 15 per cent of the workforce, and fewer than 5 per cent working directly on-site.

Amanda Bulow, Founder & CEO at Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), comments, “It is great to see the number of trade schools educating and supporting the next generation. School-based apprenticeships also place a key role in providing a pipeline of skilled workers. Providing access to mentoring from an early stage ensures our next generation of women entering the construction industry understand the extensive community of support they have”.

Trade schools and apprenticeships are playing a crucial role in driving this change, offering women practical, hands-on pathways into the construction sector. These programs are equipping women with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Amanda Bulow, Founder & CEO at Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), comments, “It is great to see the number of trade schools educating and supporting the next generation. School-based apprenticeships also play a key role in providing a pipeline of skilled workers. Providing access to mentoring from an early stage ensures our next generation of women entering the construction industry understand the extensive community of support they have.”

In 2025, Australia’s construction industry continues to experience significant growth, with the sector contributing over $360 billion to the national economy. However, the industry faces a critical shortage of skilled labour navigating a post-COVID economy, with estimates indicating a need for an additional 250,000 workers over the next five years. Despite this demand, women make up less than 15% of the workforce in construction (with less than 5% working directly on the tools), a gender disparity that highlights the urgent need to encourage more female participation. By diversifying the talent pool, the industry could help address its labour shortage while also fostering innovation and creativity.

Amanda Bulow, Founder & CEO at Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), comments, “It is great to see the number of trade schools educating and supporting the next generation. School-based apprenticeship also play a key role in providing a pipeline of skilled workers. Providing access to mentoring from an early stage ensures our next generation of women entering the construction industry understand the extensive community of support they have.” 

With female construction participation reaching a record high in 2024, the issue of skilled labour shortages faces a potential solution

Australia’s construction industry has seen female participation reach a record high in 2024, according to Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ).

Despite this positive outcome, CSQ says women still only represent 17 per cent of the workforce and just five per cent in construction trades.

As the country continues to endure skilled labour shortages, the inclusion of women in construction could help solve this issue, while bringing fresh perspectives.

Organisations like Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are just two initiatives already creating more opportunities for women.