Home Property Australia CPB Contractors attracts nearly 800 for Women in Construction training

CPB Contractors attracts nearly 800 for Women in Construction training

  • August 23, 2023
  • by Property Australia
Kim Gwilliam

A cohort of 13 women have successfully completed the Women in Construction paid training program orchestrated by CPB Contractors.

This initiative, which stands as the first of its kind, is designed to usher women into the construction sector, propelling their professional journeys by swiftly securing them positions on a prominent Sydney-based infrastructure endeavor.

Run by CPB Contractors, an entity within CIMIC Group, the program is now embarking on its second year.

Notably, it has garnered 794 applications, underscoring the interest exhibited by numerous women endeavoring to transition their careers from diverse fields such as retail, hospitality, cleaning, aged care and tourism.

“The need for more skilled workers is an industry-wide issue bigger than any one contractor and we are seeing a lot of success with training programs like this,” Don Johnson, CPB Contractors Chief Operating Officer and Executive General Manager, NSW & ACT, Major Projects and Tunnelling said.

“We are removing common barriers for women wanting to change careers, as the training not only provides job-ready skills and financial security, but also leads into full-time employment on a major construction project that contributes to local communities.

“Women have been under-represented in the sector. This program is about creating a more equitable construction industry and delivering real jobs and real opportunities to more people. As the demand for construction continues to grow, particularly with a focus on affordable housing and Australia’s transition to renewable energy, we need to provide clear career pathways that make construction more accessible,” Mr Johnson said.

The construction sector contributed $155 billion to the Australian economy as of December 2022, with approximately 9.6 per cent of the working population (equating to more than 1.3 million employees) currently employed by the industry and women making up 13.3 per cent of the labour force.

Graduates have spent three weeks training across Western Sydney, learning key skills, driving bob cats and giant haul trucks, working safely at heights, risk control, WHS policies and procedures and first aid.

They all commence working on major infrastructure projects across Sydney, including the M6 Stage 1, Sydney Metro West, Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport.

This is the third group of women to graduate from CPB Contractors’ program, with 18 graduating from the pilot program in NSW last year and a further 10 graduating from Melbourne’s first program last month. All graduates have now secured employment on a CPB Contractors project, with the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Civil Construction accreditation.

Kim Gwilliam, a Western Sydney local, graduated from the pilot program in 2022 and has been working for CPB Contractors for the last 12 months as a labourer. She says it’s the best career decision she’s made.

“I was turning 40 and was bored in my job. I knew I needed to do something different and try something new,” Ms Gwilliam said.

“Born and bred in Western Sydney, I’m excited to be a part of building important infrastructure that is going to help people in my community. I would recommend any woman get into construction. I’ve had the best experience from the start to the finish and I’m very proud of myself.”