Master Builders SA calls for more women in construction

4 weeks ago 23

Master Builders SA is calling for more women in the construction industry.

Calling all women – we need your help to build homes and other vital infrastructure across SA.

Master Builders SA chief executive Will Frogley said attracting more females into the building and construction industry would help ease critical workforce shortages and deliver the state’s housing and infrastructure pipeline.

His comments come following the HiViZ Women’s Excellence Awards, which recognise the growing contribution of women in the industry.

Master Builders SA chief executive Will Frogley, Nadia Clancy MP and Jenn Roberts MP. Picture: Master Builders SA.

Despite growing demand for skilled workers, women make up just 13 per cent of Australia’s construction workforce and around three per cent of trade occupations.

Mr Frogley said increasing female participation was essential if the industry was to meet future demand.

“South Australia needs 10,000 more workers to build the 84,000 homes needed by 2029 to meet its National Housing Accord obligations,” he said.

“The reality is that we can’t meet the state’s housing and infrastructure demand if we’re drawing from only half the talent pool.

“If we want to solve workforce shortages, we need more women choosing construction and more women staying in the industry.

“Our industry should be aiming for women to make up at least a quarter of the construction workforce over the next three years.

“That target is achievable, but only if we continue improving workplace culture, creating clear career pathways, and showcasing the opportunities available in construction.”

Rebecca Lamont, the 2025 Master Builders SA Outstanding Woman in Construction. Picture: Master Builders SA.

Many women are keen on careers in construction, recent Adelaide University research shows.

However, they want to see workplace culture, flexibility and career pathways improve before getting into the industry.

Rebecca Lamont, the 2025 Master Builders SA Outstanding Woman in Construction, is among a growing number of woman succeeding in the industry.

Starting her career as a labourer while studying civil engineering, Ms Lamont is now part of Lendlease’s state senior leadership team.

“What I value most about the industry is the people – learning from exceptional leaders, collaborating with teams to achieve what often feels impossible, and mentoring those eager to grow from my experience,” she said.

“I recently completed a Master of Business Administration and graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, opening even more opportunities in this incredible industry.”

The HiViZ Women’s Excellence Awards attracted a record number of nominations this year, with more than 50 entries received across apprentice, tradie, business owner and leader, advocate and site professional categories.

HiViZ Women’s Excellence Awards held on June 19, 2026. Picture: Master Builders SA.

Mr Frogley said the record number of nominations was a powerful reminder that women were already making an enormous contribution in the industry.

“The awards provide an important platform to celebrate achievement, raise visibility and encourage more women to consider careers in construction,” he said.

Through its HiViZ Women Building SA program, Master Builders SA supports greater female participation in construction by promoting gender equality, highlighting industry challenges and encouraging more women to pursue construction careers.