More and more female join the male dominant teams of construction businesses, especially female traffic controllers. And, this is partly due to the unprecedented demand for construction workers following the infrastructure booms across Australia.
Construction is considered historically, as well as today, to be a non-traditional occupation for women. It is the most male-dominated major industry in Australia, where the proportion of women working in the sector has fallen over the past 20 years. According to the Australian Government Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women represented 12% of the workforce in the construction industry in 2018. While they were 13.8% in 1998. However, in the male-dominated construction world, traffic control is the area booming with women.
Also, this seems to be a trend not only in Australia, but elsewhere in the world too. For instance, in Italy, Rome welcomed its first female traffic cop to work atop a podium earlier this year. There, the traditional white-gloved traffic cop elegantly directs the vehicles coming from three directions around them.
As a female-founded business, we are particularly sensitive to this topic. In this article, we’ll see why female traffic controllers are essential to the construction industry. And, how they can keep making their mark in the business.
Women In Construction: Socially Unacceptable In Earlier Historical Periods
Although construction was a major economic factor in medieval and early modern Europe, references to women‘s role in these activities are limited. There is evidence that women were working on construction sites and in the building trades in earlier historical periods. However, it was socially unacceptable to record this labor as work, especially work that might be earning a wage.
Women were perceived to be physically incapable of heavy labor. And, it was considered her primary duty was to take care of her family. She was not supposed to accept wages for her work. Because the males in the family were supposed to be the ones providing for the family.
There is some limited evidence of women working in construction in the ancient world. But, one of the earliest written records is from the 13th century in Spain.
Today, women continue to build their path in the industry and fight against (unconscious) gender bias, lack of adequate training. And, against the overall perceptions of women working in the industry. Consequently, in the last five years, the number of women in construction increased by 34%.
Female Traffic Controllers, Women in Construction: A Commercial And Moral Imperative
Fortunately, times have changed. And, it is now recognized that bringing in and promoting more women at all levels can help businesses win more contracts and boost capabilities.
Integrating women in your construction company is an opportunity to get closer to customers, enhance your reputation and win more business. Construction is not only open to women, it is in need of them.
Higher Profits And Productivity
Third, having more women in your construction business means higher profits and productivity. Women bridge skills gaps and ensure the health of the industry.
And, everyone in the industry benefits when qualified women join construction teams, feel good about their jobs and enjoy rewarding careers.
In fact, studies have shown that businesses with more gender diversity generate more profits, and customer satisfaction.
There is a construction trades skills shortage. Less than 40% of construction trade vacancies are being filled in Victoria and New South Wales. In 2018, there were about 5 applications per job offer, of those 1.5 were qualified, 0.5 were suitable for the role and more than 70% of qualified applicants were unsuitable.
The demand for construction trades workers is strong, especially in NSW. However, fewer people are choosing to learn construction skills due to negative stereotypes and the push for young people to study longer. People either don’t want to work in the building crafts or don’t know that it is a viable option that offers rewarding careers.
So, diversity increases productivity. A diverse workforce brings new ideas, experiences and perspectives. Australian construction businesses need people qualified in sustainable development and who harness new technology. Consequently, recruiting, training and supporting women in construction is necessary to ensure the long-term health of the industry.
Female Traffic Controllers Might Elicit Less Road Rage From Car Drivers
First, they are usually good at calmly communicating. In addition, they can display empathy with frustrated drivers and other road users. In this case, they remind road users that the modification to the roadway is for their safety.
Moreover, according to an article in the Age, male drivers respond better to women. In fact, women usually are more patient and can deal with angry men annoyed by traffic delays. So, their great and professional behaviour combined with a smile helps diffuse a situation.
Female Traffic Controllers Create A Better Cooperation Among Construction Crew
Second, the building sector has a problem with mental health. In fact, construction workers are more than twice as likely to end their lives, compared to the rest of the population. And, much of this comes down to the fact that depressed men are reluctant to seek life-saving support because they don’t want to appear weak.
So, clients feel that when working with female traffic controllers, their male-dominated crews behave better. And, are more co-operative. Consequently, higher numbers of women in building jobs could help to foster an environment with better communication and where everyone feels supported.
In fact, an inclusive workplace culture means better mental health for all. And, it addresses the skills shortage the construction sector faces and improves the gender pay gap.
Businesses With More Women Reflect Consumer Expectations Better
According to a survey of Australian real estate firm directors, women have “the greatest say in the choice of property”.
This means that construction businesses with more women in their management team can better understand and respond to what is driving these decisions.
Move Towards Tendering For Public Contracts
Promoting gender equality in Australian workplaces is a statutory Government priority via the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
Prior to making a submission in response to an approach to the market, potential suppliers must be covered under the WGE Act. It proves your organisation is a ‘relevant employer’ and submit a letter of compliance.
Inclusivity Benefits Everyone
The new graduates are seeking out inclusive organisations. More women in construction means more productivity due to new ideas being brought forward. Diversity drives profitability and answers the problem of labor shortage.
The Construction Industry Offers Great Opportunities for Female Traffic Controllers
A Rewarding Career
In addition, women see that they have more opportunities to join the construction world. And, that it can be a rewarding career path. In particular, they find sense in their job because they see how it improves people’s lives.
Construction businesses provide well-paid jobs that do not all require a college degree. And, the gender wage gap in construction is more narrow than for women in the general workplace.
Careers in construction can also offer women job security, competitive benefits, and paid vacation. And, the satisfaction of building something that really matters to the communities in which they live.
A Financially Rewarding Career Path
Firstly, traffic control is a financially rewarding career path. In fact, pay varies from state to state but workers can earn about $26 an hour to $55 an hour depending on the job. And, the average salary for a traffic controller in Sydney is $31.58 an hour.
For instance, according to Daily Mail Australia, riggers and pipe layers get $107 an hour, crane operators $122 and bore-head operators $118. And, tunnellers can rake in up to $263,000.
Moreover, there are other advantages of working as a traffic controller. For example, jobs usually include penalty rates, allowances and superannuation. And, they can include a company vehicle.
An Entry Point Into The Construction Industry
Secondly, traffic management can be an entry point for women into the industry. In fact, it is a great way to get a foot in the door when they haven’t had an opportunity to do apprenticeships to get into carpentry and the trades.
And, a great starting point to move to the construction stage and finally to the infrastructure. So, companies start providing training and workshops. They help women realize their own self-confidence and self-worth and the value they add to the industry.
The Growing Presence of Technology
Construction is no longer all about manual labor. And, about the idea that women are not physically strong enough to work in it.
The growing presence of technology creates many new job opportunities that women may excel at. Plus, there are managerial positions available such as project managers, crew foreman, safety managers and more.
Flexibility
Thirdly, we see progress happening in terms of flexibility and support in the workplace. Job sharing with standardized work hours, childcare rebate provisions, support of paid parental leave… This also explains why we see more female traffic controllers.
Of course, both men and women benefit from workplace flexibility. And, businesses as well as it increases employee engagement.
So, traffic control is also a great job if you study and need a good pay as well as flexible hours. In fact, you can find a part-time traffic control job.
How The Construction Industry Can Expand Its Female Workforce
Include Women In The Company Culture Of Construction Businesses
More than a third of women working in the construction, property and engineering (CPE) sector feel that a lack of gender diversity and the workplace culture deter women from entering the industry. Or, make them want to leave.
It is time to challenge stereotypes and shift perceptions. Only few young women see construction as an aspirational career. But, it seems that it is progressing. Schools need to keep highlighting the value of construction jobs for women.
Also, just search for “construction work” on Google and you’ll see that a lot of the people on the images are still male. But, careers in construction are not just reserved for men. Jobs are for people and companies just need to train the right ones, regardless of gender.
Give Women A Fair Chance With New Opportunities In The Construction Industry
Many women aren’t given a fair chance with new opportunities. In fact, 30% working in CPE report they’ve been passed over for a promotion or senior leadership position because of their gender, rather than as a reflection of their skills. And, selection for jobs and promotions is often based on who you know rather than what you know. With women largely excluded from these informal networks.
Also, a study carried out by the University of New South Wales found that in construction, while men’s capabilities are assumed, women’s capabilities are frequently questioned. And, women need to demonstrate they are better, not just equal to men. So, companies need to focus on rewarding and promoting individuals based on results, rather than perpetuating a gender bias.
While the industry has improved, there are still more efforts to do to erase gender discrimination in the workplace:
– 60% of the women have experienced gender discrimination in the construction workplace at least once.
– 37% of female workers have experienced inappropriate behaviour from a male colleague.
– 20% have also felt excluded from male conversations and social events.
Sort Out Working Conditions For Everyone
Then, family-friendly, flexible working is often dismissed as inappropriate on a 7am-4pm site. Though even on a building site, there is no reason why some posts can’t be carried out on a shared or staggered hour basis. Or, allow for parental leave.
And, many rigid working practices within construction are rooted in culture rather than any practical imperative. Flexible working isn’t just an issue for working parents. But, a desirable and efficient approach for the entire workforce.
Improvement And Discussion For Women In Construction
So, despite the difficulties and barriers for success, women have been involved in construction throughout history. And the social, legal and policy efforts in the last few decades created an environment of improvement and discussion for women in construction.
Perhaps the following quote from a woman in construction summarizes it well [Hopkins and McManus, 1998]: “The construction industry in the past 25 years has gone from a “good ole boy” regime to cutting edge technology. With that major revolution, the industry has become more and more color blind and indifferent to gender.
The “bottom line” is crucial for survival in the 90‘s and beyond. The uphill fight isn‘t over yet. But, women now can expect and demand to move up in their career path. Our industry is fast paced, challenging, exciting, never boring, and fun!! I would encourage any woman to consider a career in construction.”
Absolute Traffic Management: An Advocate For Construction And Women In Construction
So, women are slowly getting towards careers in construction. And, companies are seeing the benefits of employing female traffic controllers. The construction industry is a dynamic market with increasing demand for new housing and infrastructure projects.
Consequently, it is important to encourage more women to join the workforce, help bridge the skills gap, and really integrate them in the construction world.
Australian female construction apprentices have more than doubled from 2010 to 2020. But, women in construction are still facing issues related to available opportunities, job satisfaction, equal compensation and acceptance as professionals. Yet, there are ways to both recruit and retain women for careers in construction.
To sum up, we all benefit from providing a fair go to women in the building industry. But, there is still a lot to do to fully include women in construction. As a female-managed business, we are part of the thousands of Australian women at the forefront of a change rippling through a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Hiring female traffic controllers, we take the lead in addressing these issues and advocating for women in the construction industry. Above all, we do not tolerate disrespect towards any gender.
Also, attending networking events to build connections is a great way for women to make their mark in the industry. Next year, we’ll participate in the Sydney Build Expo, Australia’s leading construction exhibition. So, meet us on the 1st & 2nd of June 2022 at the ICC Sydney with other industry leaders. Come say hello at our stand B454.
Finally, the construction industry becomes step by step a place where women can see opportunities and are supported. So, are you a female traffic controller looking for work or training? Then, get in touch with us via our Career page. We’d love to hear from you! Also, see our job openings on our Facebook page, and on Facebook groups like Traffic Controllers NSW.
Now, learn more about us and on our about page, and social media:
Absolute Traffic Management Facebook Page
Absolute Traffic Management LinkedIn Profile
And, Absolute Traffic Management Instagram Profile
