The Understanding Building and Construction Pilot Program aims to increase the participation of young women in vocational education and training in the building and construction industry through learning opportunities in schools.
The program provides a tailored learning experience that integrates industry perspectives for high school students to improve their understanding of the building and construction industry. The program aims to break down the barriers hindering young women and gender diverse students from pursuing a career pathway in this field.
The program supports these students to gain exposure to career options in the building and construction industry by:
- providing a structured and managed curriculum-based approach with units of work developed for schools
- increasing workplace learning opportunities and pathways into further learning, both on and off the job, through collaboration with industry
- introducing the unique and varied opportunities that exist in the building and construction industry
- providing an understanding of the position the building and construction industry has in the Australian economy
- establishing a strong foundation to proceed into an Australian School-based Apprenticeship or pathway into further education or training on completion.
The Understanding Building and Construction Pilot Program is an ACT Government initiative delivered with funding support from the National Careers Institute Partnership Grant.
Curriculum materials for schools
The Understanding Building and Construction Pilot Program provides schools with units of work aligned to the Australian Curriculum that incorporates cultural and inclusivity training, work rights and safety, site visits, work experience placements, and industry-based mentors and guest speakers.
This includes:
- a Unit of Work for all students in year 8 providing an introduction to career education and the building and construction industry
- a tailored Work Studies unit of work specifically for young women and gender diverse students in years 9-10.
The curriculum materials include different modules made up of lesson plans, student workbooks, and resources. These have been developed by the ACT Education Directorate and Office for Women, in consultation with key construction industry bodies including the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC), Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority (TFA), Young Workers Centre, Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), and other industry stakeholders.
The Understanding Building and Construction Pilot Program curriculum materials are available to all Australian schools to adapt into existing and future subject delivery. To request a copy of the curriculum materials please register here.
The program in action
In 2022, more than 1,000 students participated in the Understanding Building and Construction Pilot Program. The program was piloted in four ACT public high schools: Alfred Deakin High School, Calwell High School, Harrison School and Mount Stromlo High School.
The four pilot schools are delivering the program again in 2023, with the addition of Melba Copland Senior Secondary School.
Awards and Recognition
- Outstanding Partnership of the Year Award at the 2022 ACT Public Education Awards
- Director-General Excellence Award at the 2022 ACT Public Education Awards
- Kirstin DeMontis who developed teacher resources was added to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll at the 2023 Women’s Awards.
- Kirstin DeMontis was recognised as the winner of the ‘Innovation in Careers Practice’ Award at the 2023 Career Advisers Association (CAA) of NSW & ACT Awards.