Women make up around 12% of the Australian construction workforce, and most of those are in office-based roles. On the tools, the number drops to around 2%. But that’s changing — slowly — and Perth’s construction industry is actively working to attract and retain more women.
If you’re a woman considering a career in construction, or already working in the industry, here’s what you need to know about the opportunities and challenges in Perth.
Why Construction Needs More Women
The construction industry has a massive skills shortage. In Western Australia, the gap between available tradespeople and the number needed to deliver current and pipeline projects is growing. Simply put, the industry cannot fill its workforce needs by recruiting from only half the population.
Beyond numbers, research consistently shows that diverse workforces perform better — better safety outcomes, better problem solving, and better project delivery. Construction companies in Perth are increasingly recognising this.
Roles for Women in Construction
Women work across every part of the construction industry:
On the Tools
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Painters
- Glaziers
- Crane operators
- Concreters
- Scaffolders
- Welders and boilermakers
- Any other trade — there is no trade that women can’t do
Site Management
- Leading hand and foreman
- Site supervisor
- Project manager
- Construction manager
- Safety officer and WHS advisor
Professional and Technical
- Project engineer
- Estimator and quantity surveyor
- Contracts administrator
- Architect and designer
- Building inspector
- Drafting and design
Support and Operations
- Recruitment and HR
- Accounts and administration
- Logistics and procurement
- Marketing and business development
How to Start a Construction Career as a Woman in Perth
Step 1: Try Before You Commit
Several programs in Perth let women experience construction before committing to an apprenticeship:
- Try-a-Trade days run by TAFE, NAWIC, and industry groups let you sample different trades
- Pre-apprenticeship courses (Certificate II) at South Metropolitan TAFE and North Metropolitan TAFE give you hands-on experience over 3 to 6 months
- Taster programs run by some builders and contractors specifically for women interested in the industry
Step 2: Choose Your Path
Construction offers multiple entry points:
- Apprenticeship: 3 to 4 years of on-the-job training leading to a trade qualification. The most common pathway for women wanting to work on the tools.
- Labourer or trades assistant: Start immediately with a white card and basic tickets. Great for testing whether construction suits you.
- University or TAFE qualification: For roles in project management, engineering, design, or safety.
- Lateral move: If you have skills from another industry (management, logistics, administration), these transfer directly into construction.
Step 3: Get Your Tickets
The same tickets required for everyone apply:
- White card (mandatory for all site workers)
- First aid
- Working at heights
- EWP (if relevant to your trade or role)
- Trade-specific licence (electrical, plumbing, etc.)
Step 4: Find the Right Employer
Not every construction company provides the same experience for women. Look for employers who:
- Have other women in their workforce
- Provide appropriate PPE (not just small men’s sizes — properly designed women’s workwear)
- Have clean and private toilet and change facilities on site
- Take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment
- Offer mentoring and support for apprentices and new workers
- Have clear policies and reporting pathways for inappropriate behaviour
Perth Trades Recruitment works with employers across Perth who are committed to supporting women in their construction workforce.
Challenges Women Face in Construction
Culture
The construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and some workplaces haven’t caught up. Women may encounter:
- Assumptions about physical capability
- Being talked over or not taken seriously
- Inappropriate comments or behaviour
- Exclusion from social dynamics on site
The good news is that many Perth construction companies are actively working to change this culture. Younger workers, in particular, tend to be more inclusive.
Facilities
Some construction sites still lack appropriate facilities for women — separate toilets, change rooms, and sanitary disposal. This is improving, particularly on larger commercial and government projects where minimum standards are enforced.
PPE and Workwear
Finding properly fitting PPE and workwear designed for women’s bodies has historically been difficult. More brands now offer women-specific ranges, and good employers provide PPE that actually fits.
Physical Demands
Construction work is physically demanding regardless of gender. Some tasks require significant upper body strength, extended time in awkward positions, or working in extreme heat. Many women manage these demands without issue — fitness, technique, and using the right tools matter more than raw strength.
Perception
Some women report having to prove themselves more than their male counterparts. The most effective response, according to women already in the industry, is consistent quality work. Good work speaks loudly.
Support Networks and Resources
NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction)
NAWIC WA runs events, networking, mentoring programs, and advocacy for women in the Western Australian construction industry. It’s worth joining for the connections and support alone.
Tradeswomen Australia
An organisation specifically supporting women in trades with mentoring, events, and advocacy.
TAFE Women in Trades Programs
Both South Metropolitan TAFE and North Metropolitan TAFE run programs and support services for women entering trade courses and apprenticeships.
Employer Programs
Several large construction companies in Perth have formal programs to recruit, support, and develop women in their workforce. Companies with government contracts are often required to demonstrate diversity targets.
Pay Equity in Construction
Construction trades are typically covered by awards or enterprise agreements that set rates based on the role and classification, not the individual. This means women doing the same trade work as men are generally paid the same rate — making construction one of the more equitable industries in terms of pay at the trade level.
At management and professional levels, pay negotiations become more individual, and the gender pay gap can reappear. Being informed about market rates and confident in negotiation helps.
Success Stories
Women are succeeding across every part of Perth’s construction industry:
- Female electricians wiring new housing estates
- Women crane operators on CBD high-rise projects
- Female site supervisors managing multi-million dollar commercial builds
- Women boilermakers doing shutdown work in the Pilbara
- Female plumbing apprentices working their way through their trade
Every one of them started with the same first step — deciding to give it a go.
Find Construction Opportunities Through Perth Trades Recruitment
Perth Trades Recruitment supports women entering and progressing in the construction industry. We work with employers across Perth who value diverse workforces and are committed to providing inclusive workplaces.
Whether you’re looking for your first construction role, an apprenticeship, or your next opportunity, we can help connect you with the right employer.
Related Articles
- Construction Apprenticeships in Perth: How to Start a Trade Career in WA
- Career Change to a Trade in Perth: How to Switch Industries and Start a New Career
- How to Find Construction Work in Perth: A Practical Guide
- Construction Labourer Jobs in Perth: Pay Rates, Requirements, and How to Start
- Mental Health in Construction: Resources and Support for Workers in Perth
- How to Get a White Card in Perth (Construction Induction Card WA)
Contact Perth Trades Recruitment to explore construction careers in Perth.