Tapping the Untapped Resource to Address Construction Skills Shortages: Perceptions of Australian Women Career Changers and Construction Women

Abstract

To help address the widespread skills shortages and the persistent underrepresentation of women within the global construction industry, this mixed-method study highlights the importance of tapping the untapped resource of women from other industries. Using the Kaleidoscope Career Model lens, this research contributes insights into the different perceptions of Australian women career changers about attraction factors, barriers to working in construction, factors for leaving construction, and turnover intentions. A total of 655 responses were collected through a nationwide survey of women in the Australian construction industry. In addition, in-depth, qualitative data were collected by interviewing women career changers and construction hiring managers. The findings of this research suggest that to effectively attract women career changers to the construction industry, attention should be paid to career opportunities, competitive salaries, engaging and challenging work, developmental prospects, and flexibility. Recommendations are made for more effective recruitment and retention practices for women based on their career stage and related decision-making processes. Through recognizing and appreciating the considerable value brought by the transferable skills of women from diverse professional backgrounds, organizational leaders and hiring managers can not only benefit the industry but they can also enhance female participation and the economic advancement of women in the construction industry.