Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Philippa and Amelia on site at the Australian War Memorial.
Calwell High School student Amelia Kolano has always been inspired by her building certifier dad.
She knew she wanted to follow in his footsteps, and now, thanks to her school’s involvement in a groundbreaking program, the year 10 student has sampled a career in construction.
The Understanding Building and Construction Program (UBCP) is designed to remove barriers preventing young women and gender-diverse students from safely, equitably and fully participating in the building and construction industry.
The program does this through targeted, careers-focused learning in schools, to help students discover this career pathway.
A rewarding work experience placement
As part of the program, Amelia completed a week’s work experience with commercial construction company Kane Constructions.
There, she was mentored by ACT Operations Manager Philippa Seldon.
Amelia says the experience – and Philippa’s guidance – has filled her with knowledge and confidence.
“Before, I didn’t know about all the opportunities in the industry. I thought it would be very difficult to get into the industry as a woman,” she said.
“Just from watching and observing I have been able to absorb a lot of information. Even little things such as the names of construction tools, how they are used and the different jobs and roles involved in a project, such as site manager.
“Everyone was friendly, supportive, and happy to answer my questions. It’s really good and they are engaging and supportive of seeing more women working with each other, advocating for equality.”
Clarifying a path forward
Philippa was keen to facilitate Amelia’s introduction to a construction career.
“Women make up more than 50 per cent of our population and to include women in construction brings diversity of thought, it brings diversity of approach to situations. It positively influences our culture,” she said.
Amelia feels the experience has helped her work out her next steps.
“I did start off with wanting to become a building certifier because of my dad, but I’ve realised I want to be more hands-on, onsite, building and creating and productive in this way,” she said.
“I’m really wanting to do more work experience in carpentry, and then do an ASbA in carpentry. I want to start my Cert III in building and construction as soon as possible, next year (year 11). My aim is by end of year 12 to have all my certificates and qualifications completed to start working in the industry full time.”
Advocating for women in construction
Alongside Philippa, the company’s ACT General Manager Joanne Farrell is a champion for women in the industry.
Joanne is the founder and Director of not-for-profit Build Like a Girl, the 2024 ACT Australian of the Year and the 2024 ACT Woman of the Year.
She regularly assists with programs, initiatives and services aimed at improving the participation rate of women in trades, which is currently just 2 per cent.
The Understanding Building and Construction Program
The ACT Government is committed to a target of 10 per cent female employment in the ACT construction industry, with the UBCP an important part of this.
Calwell High School began offering the curriculum-based UBCP in 2022 as part of a pilot program.
This was developed in a partnership between the ACT Government and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and partly funded by a National Careers Institute (NCI) Partnership Grant.
The 2024 program is offered at four ACT public schools:
- Calwell High School
- Harrison Public School
- Mount Stromlo High School
- Melba-Copland Secondary School.
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.
Learn more about the Understanding Building and Construction Program.
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