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.
The time commitment is approximately one hour each month, for a total of 12 months. The one-on-one aspect means that each mentee receives personal, customised guidance and support from their mentor.
In addition to on-on-one mentoring,
Constructive Mentoring will also facilitate quarterly online forums to bring together groups of participants to share and discuss topical industry issues, with expert presenters also available to offer their opinions. Various networking opportunities and training workshops will also be freely available to all program participants.
Through the Constructive Mentoring program, MBA, NAWIC and RAIA aim to help women reach their full potential in the construction industry by building on their skills, knowledge and confidence.
'This program is definitely worthwhile, because often people can feel isolated, particularly if they work from home. It is reassuring to know that the solutions for a small business are often very similar to those of a large business, and the chance to discuss different options and ways of dealing with these problems is what enables a person to grow in their own personal development.'
Kathy (Mentee)
‘It was great to be able to help another female in the construction industry through the issues that we all face [and gain] confidence that my experiences could help someone else.’
Sharon (Mentor)
‘Women (as wives and partners) are running the majority of small businesses and I would like to see Builders and Trades encouraging them to [participate in the program] as they can obtain so much information, support and advice. It is so important that they feel that they are not the only ones in this situation – there are other women out there going through the same thing.’
Lynn (Mentor)