Attracting more women to become registered builders has been an exciting outcome of the Master Builders state-wide. While women traditionally played a supportive role to their male partners in building companies, the Next Step program has enabled more women to become registered builders in their own right.
“There are only about 22 women who are registered builders in Western Australia out of a total pool of over 5,000, so there is plenty of room for improvement,” Mr Forster said.
The Next Step Builder programme is a two hour course which explains the “rules of the game” to become a registered builder in Western Australia. It provides information on the various pathways to registration and advice on how to make an application. One-on-one assistance is also provided with preparation of an application to the Builders’ Registration Board.
“Since the launch of the programme in 2007, around 1,000 people have attended the course. Around 200 people have achieved registration so far and another 250 are in the process of applying. It has been a great success,” Mr Forster said.
“Master Builders is committed to the ongoing development of women in the building industry through its Women in Construction program”, Mr Forster added.
“As the building industry recovers and skill shortages re-emerge, attracting more home grown builders including women to the industry rather than relying on overseas or interstate builders makes good sense,” Mr Forster concluded.
Karen Brown, Registered Builder No 12852, achieved her registration in June 2009 after completing her Diploma of Builders Registration. She has experience in residential and commercial building. With previous roles as a project manager for Western Power and Hewlett Packard, Karen now plans to establish her own building company in Mt Lawley.
Astrid Vasile, Registered Builder No 13046, achieved her registration in December 2009. She has a Master Degree in Business Administration and over 10 years experience in residential building in Western Australia and Indonesia.