Innovative partnership launches microskills and scholarships to empower women in construction

The Institute of Applied Technology – Construction (IATC), a partnership between TAFE NSW, Western Sydney University, and leading construction company, CPB Contractors, has announced three new Microskills to its suite of courses, as well as fee-free training places for women.

Co-designed with industry experts, microskills are online, bite-sized, self-directed courses. The three new microskills (opens in a new window) which focus on areas critical for building capability in the construction sector, now and into the future, include: Introduction to Women in Construction, Introduction to Sustainability in Construction, and The Role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Construction.

The IATC is also furthering its commitment to encourage more women to kickstart a career in construction or to upskill in their current role with the availability of 60 fee-free training places in microcredential courses. The scholarships come at a time when the construction industry in Australia is facing a shortage of over 100,000 workers.

Applications are now open for the Women in Construction Scholarships (opens in a new window), which will be delivered by the Institute of Applied Technology Construction.

Western Sydney University Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Clare Pollock, said the suite of microskills and microcredential courses and scholarships will empower women in construction and will help to meet Australia’s workforce needs.

“The University has a proud history of opening up educational opportunities for students including talented women in our region. These innovative Microskills and microcredentials will help students upskill and take advantage of job opportunities in the fast-growing construction sector,” said Professor Pollock.

“Western Sydney University is pleased to partner with TAFE NSW and CPB Contractors to co-develop and co-deliver courses that integrate research-led learning with advanced technical and industry-based skills while boosting diversity in the sector.”

Director Operations Institutes of Applied Technology Helen Fremlin encouraged women interested in a career in construction to take advantage of the free microcredentials and said they promote a practical learning journey.

“Whether you choose online or face-to-face, these microcredentials include regular educator-led sessions. These draw on industry specific examples, tasks, and case studies to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills directly with the support of educators.

“Part of the eligibility process requires women to complete two microskill courses. Microskills are free, two-hour, self-directed sessions, a great way to help get you started.”

CPB Contractors General Manager Infrastructure NSW and ACT, Rob Monaci said, “As the pipeline of infrastructure continues to grow, particularly with the focus on housing and new energy, the need for more skilled workers is an industry-wide issue. We need to be doing more to attract people at all stages of their careers to transition into fulfilling careers in construction, particularly women.”

The microcredentials take eight weeks to complete and provide industry-specific skills recognised as evidence of competence. The microcredentials can be completed online or face-to-face.

Women in Construction Scholarship courses are aimed at high-growth areas and include:

Successful applicants will be offered a pre-class connection session to meet other women and visit a construction site in Sydney.

ENDS

1 May 2024

Media Unit

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