The official launch of the Constructive Mentoring
Program was held on November 14th 2006 at the Sydney Opera House. The program,
which is an initiative and grant recipient of the Federal Government’s Building
Entrepreneurship in Small Business program, has been formed jointly by the
Master Builder’s Association (MBA), the National Association of Women in
Construction (NAWIC), and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA).
The Constructive Mentoring program uses a structured
mentoring system, supplemented by online resources to deliver practical and
easily accessible information to women within the construction industry.
Orijen, an independent consultant, has been engaged to develop the mentoring
content and online components of the program and to manage its administration.
The program links with professional development and business skills training
programs already provided by the three partner associations, as well as
providing opportunities for networking and creating professional connections.
The program will initially be developed through metropolitan and regional NSW
before being expanded throughout Australia by mid-2008.
The program was officially launched by the Honourable
Fran Bailey MP, Minister for Small Business and Tourism. As a former small
businesswoman, she expressed her empathy for many women in the construction
industry, and praised the use of mentoring to provide education at a low cost
and in a flexible manner. She also noted that it was wonderful to see
increasing numbers of “chicks in charge” in the industry, and hoped that this
would continue in the future!
Other speakers included Alison Halihan, national
president of NAWIC, Brian Seidler, Director of MBA NSW and Dr. Deborah Dearing,
president of the RAIA NSW chapter. The event was ably hosted by Caroline
Pidcock of the RAIA. Guests included members of the three organisations, Orijen
and representatives of Ms Bailey’s department. The event was held in the Utzon
room of the Sydney Opera House which provided a wonderful backdrop for the
afternoon.
MBA, NAWIC & RAIA are currently calling for
mentees and mentors. Participation in
the program is at no cost for financial members of the associations (and
remember your membership fees are a tax deduction!) For registered architects
and engineers, participating as a mentor may earn you credit points towards
your annual professional development hours requirement.
Interested?
Please register your interest at http://orijen.com.au/constructive-mentoring.aspx
Pictured: The Constructive Mentoring steering committee and
Orijen representatives; the Hon. Fran Bailey MP.
All
Images Photocall Image Management