The Ignite HER Pathway Program was a 4 week, fully funded pre-employment construction program held at the Bank Street Park project in Pyrmont NSW.
The ambition
Bank Street Park is a NSW Government Women in Construction pilot project with an ambitious stretch target to have women make up 50% of the project workforce. This is a bold leap from the industry average of 12% and aims to set a new benchmark for construction sites nationwide.
Why it matters
Women remain significantly underrepresented across the NSW construction sector, limiting workforce capacity, diversity of thinking and the industry’s ability to meet the state’s growing infrastructure demands. The 50% stretch target responds directly to this challenge, recognising that a more inclusive workforce can unlock a broader talent pool and modernise entrenched practices that act as barriers to participation and retention.
How we plan to achieve it
Infrastructure NSW in partnership with BESIX Watpac, The Umbrella Collective and Build Like a Girl and supported by funding from the NSW Government Women in Construction program, are embedding inclusion into every stage of delivery, through:
- inclusive modern site facilities
- inclusive culture training and allyship program
- dedicated workforce coordinator
- gender diversity targets
- targeted development opportunities and initiatives
- pre-employment program
- Customised mentoring programs and supportive workshops
- branded PPE for students and site tours
- female apprenticeship and internship opportunities
- quarterly lean-in circles
- project specific branding.
By trialling targeted initiatives, Bank Street Park aims not only to meet its 50% target, but to deliver enduring cultural change that can be scaled across the construction sector.