In Australia, there’s a booming opportunity for those looking for a career change—one that could pay you as much as $150,000 a year. And, surprisingly, the construction industry, which is in desperate need of workers, is turning to women to fill these jobs. But many Aussies, particularly women, don’t even know this side of the job market exists.
The Growing Demand for Jobs in the Construction Sector
The construction sector is currently grappling with a major shortage of workers, with a gap of around 141,000 workers expected to climb to 300,000 by 2027. The surge is driven by growing demand in renewable energy projects and large-scale infrastructure developments. While construction is often associated with manual labor, there’s a surprising demand for skilled roles that offer attractive salaries—roles like crane operators, truck drivers, and lifting specialists.
Why Women Are Being Targeted for These Jobs
Interestingly, less than 3% of people in these sectors are women. This has led to a push for greater female participation, including initiatives like the Women in Construction program, which aims to train and employ 1,500 women over the next few years. It’s a call to action for women who might not even consider construction as a career, yet could find it life-changing—financially and personally.
Sallie Oxborough’s Inspiring Career Shift
Sallie Oxborough, a Sydney mother of two, is a prime example of this transformation. After years of working in cafes to support her children, she made a drastic career shift into construction—a decision that ultimately allowed her to purchase her first home. She recalls the struggles she faced, raising kids on her own, thinking homeownership was an impossible dream. “I never would’ve thought I could afford a house working in a café,” she says to Yahoo Finance. “Now, I’m not just surviving; I’m thriving.“
Women Earning More in Construction
Oxborough is now a hoist operator, forklift driver, and health and safety representative—a far cry from her days of making coffee and sandwiches. And, what’s more, she’s earning double what her daughters, who hold university degrees, are making. Her story isn’t unique. Many women entering the construction industry report similar career leaps, from feeling stuck in dead-end jobs to achieving financial independence and career satisfaction.
The Broader Benefits of a Construction Career
The financial rewards in construction are hard to ignore, but so are the other benefits: the job security, the sense of accomplishment, and the impact on the wider community. For many women, construction might seem like an unexpected career choice, but it’s one that can transform lives. “A lot of women don’t know about this side of construction,” says Jessica Holz, a career adviser for Women in Construction. “There’s a lot of money to be made here, and we want to help them see that.“
While the industry still faces a long road ahead to reach gender parity, programs like these are taking important steps in bridging the gap. The future of construction may very well be female—and, with 1,500 job openings, now is the perfect time to take the leap.
