Read the program's FAQ's now

Calling all women working in the design, building and construction industries

A unique partnership of professional and trade associations - the Master Builders’ Association, Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the National Association of Women in Construction - was formed specifically to deliver our Constructive Mentoring project, funded by the Australian Government's Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program through its business program delivery division, AusIndustry.

The Constructive Mentoring project will help local business operators further develop their business skills. It will link experienced and successful business owners and operators with others who may be just starting out, or feel isolated, or could do with access to some practical know-how related to their industry.  Knowledge is passed on through a range of workshops, business training, networking opportunities and mentoring relationships.

The Need for Constructive Mentoring

Women working in the male-dominated construction industry, particularly in a small business, can often feel isolated and lacking in support. One way of reassuring women in this position, as well as offering valuable networking and skill development opportunities, is through mentoring.

Research has shown that women in the construction industry are at a disadvantage, compared to their male counterparts. Often they are required to juggle career and family responsibilities, or to manage the complicated administration of a small business without any formal training or support.

The Constructive Mentoring program has been designed specifically for women in small business, working in the building, design and construction industry. Taking into account the hectic workloads of women in this situation, Constructive Mentoring operates by allowing mentor/mentee pairs to communicate via phone, online chat, email or face-to-face, depending on what is convenient and easily accessible. Pairs are matched based on their individual experience and skills.

First Briefing Session Held in Sydney

The Constructive Mentoring program has officially begun, with the first Briefing Session held on Thursday 3rd May at RAIA Tusculum in Potts Point, NSW.

Caroline Pidcock (RAIA) opened the event and welcomed the guests, before Jennifer Morris (Managing Director, Orijen) discussed the value of mentoring and how to get the most out of a mentoring relationship, as well as going over the Constructive Mentoring Program structure.

All attendees got right into the spirit of the program, taking part in interactive group exercises and sharing their opinions and experiences freely with each other. The event ended with participants getting the chance to meet and chat with their mentoring partner and mentor circle group.

The next Briefing Session is coming up on Thursday 17th May at MBA, Glebe. For details, click here.