The Women in Construction & Co Forum was held on 25 October 2021 and Ms Krissy Breed, Manager for Business Innovation with the Territory Government partnered with Ms Fiona Evans, Managing Director of Evoke Sustainability to present 'Innovation and the Industry Pipeline' where they provided strategies for women in construction to innovate their business offerings and attract the right people and opportunities.
Supporting women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) across male dominated industries like construction provides a clear path to increase Australia’s economic capacity in meeting the high demand for skilled work in these important industries. Women face barriers through all phases of their career pipeline which is why maximising attraction, participation and retention in STEM and industry is critical.
The building and construction industry is Australia’s second largest industry and is set to grow by an additional 300,000 people in the next decade. This is why it is important for the industry to attract the best workers regardless of their gender. It’s a win-win if we are able to increase participation of innovative women in the construction industry.
Through the Northern Territory business innovation strategy the Territory Government is supporting women, youth and Aboriginal Territorians to increase their representation, because innovation is more likely to succeed when there is greater diversity among participants.
Pictured are the members of the Women’s Innovation Network NT who participated in the Women in Construction forum. From left to right: Krissy Breed, Kate Finch, Fiona Evans, Keely Quinn, and Rana Everett.