A SHORTAGE of women in the building industry has prompted the ACT government to launch Canberra’s first all-female construction team.

The Women in Construction Project will see a team of around 20 women, from architects to painters, constructing two four-bedroom properties in Richardson for people with disabilities.

The $800,000 project is estimated take at least seven months and is currently awaiting building approval, with recruiting taking place now.

Minister for Women Joy Burch, who is launching the project with the ACT Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and Ruiz Constructions, said she wanted to highlight building and construction as a career opportunity for women.

“Women have a lot to offer building and construction and yet their involvement remains relatively low, and by using [this] project I hope we can get the ball rolling so it becomes more common in the future,” Ms Burch says.

“This project will not only raise the profile of women working in the construction industry, but be a positive instrument for change, promote and share construction industry best practice and provide networking opportunities with women already in the industry.”

Ruiz project manager Gabriella Ruiz says around 15 women have already been recruited for the development, with apprentices and qualified tradeswomen invited to take part.

“Everyone thinks it’s a great opportunity to highlight women in non-traditional roles, and I think some women are a bit nervous to come out and say they are a tradie, not too sure why, but the women that have come out are really keen to do this project,” Gabrielle says.

“Most of these women are used to working in male-dominated sites, generally you’ll only find one woman for each trade site. This way they can learn off each other, create friendships, and talk about their experiences.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the development can email gruiz@ruizconstructions.com.au