Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Anna completed a site visit at the National Gallery of Australia.
Anna Mongan felt sure she wanted to pursue a career in education.
That was until she took advantage of the Understanding Building and Construction Program (UBCP) as a year 9 student at Melba-Copland Secondary School.
The first of its kind in both the ACT and Australia, the curriculum-based program is designed to remove barriers preventing young women and gender diverse students from safely, equitably and fully participating in the building and construction industry.
It does this through targeted, careers-focused learning in schools, to help young women and gender diverse students discover the option of this career pathway, including a vocational pathway.
As part of the program, Anna completed a week-long work experience placement at consultancy RPS Group, where she was mentored by Practice Lead Tracy Wilcox.
Tracy is a National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) committee member and is committed to championing diversity in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
“I do this because I never had it myself,” she said.
“There is a resource shortage across industry, which means there is a whole pool of talented individuals we are not even considering, this includes women. Diversity is important at all levels, and we need to open doors to give people a chance.”
Anna’s week was packed with new experiences, including project management meetings, site visits and the opportunity to speak with RPS clients as well as those at all levels of the business.
“The environment was very supportive and welcoming. I was given all these great opportunities to try things and listen in on things so that I get a taste of what it would actually be like to work here,” Anna said.
Melba-Copland began offering the Understanding Building and Construction Program just this year.
A pilot program of four schools ran in 2022, developed in a partnership between the ACT Government and NAWIC, and partly funded by a National Careers Institute (NCI) Partnership Grant.
The program is now offered at five ACT public schools:
- Alfred Deakin High School
- Calwell High School
- Harrison Public School
- Mount Stromlo High School
- Melba-Copland Secondary School.
The ACT Government is committed to a target of 10 per cent female employment in the ACT construction industry.
Increasing women’s participation in the construction industry and other traditionally male-dominated industries is a key focus of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016–26.
It also aligns with the Future of Education Strategy in partnering with industry to bring real-life learning into the classroom and take learning into the broader community.
While work experience gave Anna welcome insight into consultancy work, she feels she might pursue a trade apprenticeship.
“I haven’t quite decided what I want to do but I 110 per cent want to do it within the construction industry,” she said.
For now, her priority is graduating year 12 – something Tracy strongly endorses.
“It’s important to have a Plan B if you’re going into a trade. It’s all about being able to change and adapt as your body and situation change,” she said.
Tracy’s strongest piece of advice, however, is simple: “Take every opportunity, understand your worth and back yourself”.
At the end of her placement, Anna is happy to recommend the UBCP program to other students because it has provided her with meaningful opportunities to explore this industry.
“I can say I will be going back to school and bragging about this great chance I was given,” she said .
Learn more about the Understanding Building and Construction Program.
Anna learnt a great deal on work experience at RPS Group.
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