Tradie Bootcamp Paves the Way for Women in Construction
A collaboration aimed at breaking down the barriers to employment for young women seeking apprenticeship opportunities in the construction industry has resulted in ten women kickstarting their career with nine employers across a range of trades.
The ‘Tradie Bootcamp’ is a pre-employment program derived from Lendlease and Apprenticeship Employment Network’s (AEN) skilling and employment initiative LEAD. Delivered in collaboration with Apprenticeships Victoria, TAFE Skills and Jobs Centres at Box Hill, Holmesglen, and Victoria University, and GTOs from the AEN network, the program has been instrumental in preparing participants for their first day on the job and enhancing the retention rates of women in traditionally male-dominated trades.
The GTOs, including AGA, Skillinvest, and MEGT, worked closely with Lendlease and its employers to identify job opportunities and subsequently recruit, employ, and support the participating women into the program. A key component of the program was the workplace readiness training, which equipped participants with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in their new roles while also addressing the needs of employers in the construction sector. This comprehensive approach underscores our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the program partners for their invaluable support and dedication to the program and acknowledge the significant commitment of the participating Lendlease host employers, whose engagement has been pivotal in giving these women a start to their careers in construction. This collaboration not only highlights the strength of our partnerships but also reaffirms our collective commitment to empowering women in male-dominated trades, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable workforce in the construction and trades sectors.
We also wish to recognise the generous support of other key contributors to the program, including Workforce Australia – Local Jobs Program (Inner Metro Melbourne), Empowered Women in Trades, DeWalt, Zadie Workwear, and Steel Blue. Their involvement provided essential resources and support, further enriching the training experience for our participants. Together, these supporters have helped create a comprehensive and encouraging environment that enables women to thrive in the trades, reinforcing the program's objectives and successes.
Most importantly, we congratulate the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to the program. One of the participants expressed, "I am so excited to be here because I did my pre-apprenticeship and then I didn't know where to go. This feels like the missing link for my future." We wish them all the very best as they embark on their journeys into the trades, confident that they are well-prepared to succeed and make significant contributions to the industry. Their dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring, and we look forward to witnessing their future achievements.
The Tradie Bootcamp Program should serve as a model for other employers, demonstrating the tangible benefits of breaking down old stereotypes and diversifying their workforce. We encourage more organisations to get on board with such initiatives, helping to create a more inclusive and dynamic industry that reflects the diversity of our society.
By embracing these changes, employers can not only improve their own operations but also contribute to a broader cultural shift towards equality and inclusiveness in the workplace.
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