In November 2024, Deakin University’s Women in Design and Construction (WIDC) program returned for its third year, sparking inspiration in the next generation of female leaders in these dynamic industries. Held at the stunning Geelong Waterfront Campus and aimed at Year 9 and 10 students, this immersive, week-long experience gives young women a hands-on introduction to architecture and construction – fields that have historically lacked female representation.
Participants in the program work closely with industry professionals and current Deakin students to tackle a range of creative projects; this year’s challenge was to design and build birdhouses using sustainable and circular design principles. The program is a fun and practical way for students to develop useful skills and build the confidence to take the next step in an industry brimming with opportunity.
Building confidence and breaking barriers
So, why is the WIDC program so important? It’s about more than just encouraging young women to pick up tools or drafts; it’s about addressing a deeper, systemic gender imbalance in the workforce.
‘We wanted a program that provided authentic and rich experiences for students to see how their strengths align with careers in our industry,’ says Elsie Telford, a research assistant at Deakin’s School of Architecture and Built Environment. ‘To shift the scales, we needed to connect industry, tertiary education and secondary students considering their future paths.’
According to the Master Builders Australia report ‘Breaking Ground: Women in Building and Construction’ (PDF 7.1MB), while progress has been made – female representation in the construction workforce has risen to 15% in recent years – there’s still a long way to go. Women on the tools, for example, make up less than 3% of the sector. Yet with demand for skilled workers continuing to climb, engaging women isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s an economic one.
A career that builds more than structures
Architecture and construction offer diverse and rewarding career paths. They’re industries where no two days are the same, where problem solving and creativity meet and where tangible achievements are a source of pride. For many women, the appeal lies in the challenges and the deeply satisfying moments – like driving past a building and knowing they helped bring it to life.
Elsie highlights the opportunities available through Deakin’s programs: ‘Our architecture, construction management and engineering courses provide students with the skills to thrive. From high-tech workshops featuring 3D printers and CNC routers to hands-on projects, we prepare graduates to meet industry demands with confidence.’
Deakin’s collaborative learning approach is also a game-changer. Architecture students work alongside construction management peers, gaining insights into both disciplines. With strong industry connections, field trips, site visits and work-integrated learning opportunities, students graduate ready to step into their careers.
Paving the way for progress
While female participation remains lower than desired, change is evident. The Parlour 2021 Census Wrap: Gender & diversity in Australian Architecture (PDF 391KB) report reveals that the proportion of women in the architectural workforce has increased from 20% in 2001 to 35% in 2021. BuildSkills Australia also states that in the 15 to 24-year-old age group, there are more females working as construction trades workers than ever before. The Master Builders Australia report confirms this trend, highlighting that more women than ever view building and construction as a viable career. The field offers flexibility, competitive wages, a strong sense of community and deeply rewarding outcomes.
The report also emphasises that increasing women’s involvement in the industry boosts productivity, strengthens the economy, promotes financial independence, fosters diversity and inclusion, and addresses critical workforce shortages. Many industry professionals note that women bring exceptional communication, multitasking and attention-to-detail skills – invaluable qualities on a worksite.
Start building your future at Deakin
If you’re passionate about shaping the world around you and breaking new ground, Deakin’s design and construction courses are the perfect place to start.
‘Architecture and construction are vast fields with a number of career opportunities that can take you in many different directions,’ says Elsie. ‘Each one of our panel experts cited that the best part of the job – regardless of where they had ended up within the field – was doing something different every day, a new adventure. There is always lots to learn in this career, and there are diverse roles for many people with different interests.’
If you've ever dreamt of embarking on career in design (architecture) or construction, Deakin offers a selection of specialised degrees to help you get where you want to be. Get ready to bring your ideas, creativity, and voice to a field where you can truly make a difference.
Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging career? Start exploring architecture and construction management courses today.