Amidst the current focus on women's rights in Australia, Metricon acknowledges the importance of everyone doing their part to make our nation safer and more inclusive, including our construction sites.
In 2024, Australia is witnessing a significant shift, with a notable uptick of women entering the traditionally male-dominated construction sector. But despite this progress, women still make up only a small fraction of the 1.2 million-strong workforce.
As Australia’s leading home builder, we have an essential role to play in increasing women’s access to the industry and facilitating the flow on effect their inclusion on our sites has in improving whole-of-workplace culture.
That’s why our Queensland office has teamed up with the Housing Industry Association (HIA) to forge a fantastic new opportunity empowering ten young women based in the Sunshine State, by connecting them to a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program with our trusted contractors.
The paid pathway encompasses completing the Certificate I in Construction and on-the-job training, all delivered with a specific focus on mental health awareness, physical fitness and financial literacy.
Kaylee Kimber, placed with Brodie Smith’s BTS Homes & Carpentry, said the pre-apprenticeship program offered an incredible first foot forward into the industry in a fully supported way.
“I was attracted to the program to find a career that will set me up for life,” Kaylee says. “I wanted something that is very hands-on, and I found working on-site very enjoyable. The team that we work with is very supportive and patient.” Kaylee Kimber
Metricon CEO Brad Duggan noted that the company has an excellent track record in employing influential women.
“More than 750 women work at Metricon, with 120 in leadership positions and even more on the ground working with our trade partners, including in traditionally male-dominated roles. But we can always do better,” he says.
“At Metricon, we are dedicated to initiatives which aim to cultivate a new generation of skilled and confident women in construction. Encouraging women to join our industry is essential for its growth and sustainability.”
In addition to vastly improving the culture of a company, it also makes good business sense to be an equal-opportunity employer.
“Diversity is a cornerstone of all thriving industries, and with a growing demand for apprentices of all genders nationwide, it’s essential for us to ensure that our subcontractor partners have top-notch teams on the ground, constructing the 4,000-plus Metricon homes we deliver annually,” Brad says.
“In today’s world, diversity isn’t optional. It’s a strategic imperative. We recognise that, and we’re leading the charge to make our industry more inclusive and dynamic.” Brad Duggan
Toni Bull, Executive Director of the HIA, is beyond happy that the HIA region she leads can help support Metricon in this endeavour, covering the participants’ wages and travel costs.
“I wanted to offer a very special thank you to Metricon and their subcontractors for supporting the HIA in delivering this 12-week GTO pre-apprenticeship program,” she says. “We’ve got ten wonderful ladies who are part of the program, they have been running through their Cert 1 in Construction and now they are out on site.
“This program offers participants not only essential job training but also the chance to embark on a rewarding and well-compensated career that can truly make a difference in communities.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Metricon’s Workplace Health and Safety Manager, Anna Cooper, who enjoyed spending the day on site with budding apprentices, reminding her of her first steps into the building industry.
“I think it’s great to see other young women becoming involved in the construction industry and it’s really warming to see Metricon homes become the heart of that.”
Brad says that heart will only beat stronger as Metricon throws its weight behind expanding access to programs like this. “We’re not just talking the talk; we’re walking the walk,” he says.
“Our aim is to continue increasing these numbers, ensuring women are represented across all levels and roles within our organisation. Through joint initiatives and programs, we’re cultivating a new generation of skilled and confident women in construction.
“This collaboration isn’t just beneficial. It’s essential for the future of our industry.”
