Queensland Supports More Women into Construction Through New CSQ Grants Program

Queensland is taking another positive approach towards building a stronger and more diverse construction workforce, with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) launching the Supporting Women in Construction Grants Program.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort to encourage more women to explore careers in construction, support those already working in the industry and help create more inclusive workplaces across Queensland where women can build long-term construction careers.

Addressing a Growing Workforce Need

Queensland’s construction industry is expanding rapidly, fueled by population growth and major infrastructure projects across the state.

Industry forecasts indicate Queensland could face a shortage of around 50,000 construction workers in the coming years.

Without more people entering the industry, labour shortages could delay projects and increase construction costs across Queensland.

One way to strengthen the future workforce is by encouraging more women to pursue careers in construction.

Women make up almost half of Queensland’s overall workforce. However, they represent only 13% of the construction workforce and 5% of trade occupations.

As of November 2025, approximately 37,500 women were employed in Queensland’s construction industry.

Although that figure fell by 9.2% over the previous year, it remains 6.6% higher than it was five years ago.

There are also encouraging signs in trade occupations. The number of women working in construction trades has increased from 4,800 to 9,300 over the past five years.

While progress is being made, there is still significant opportunity to increase female participation.

Supporting more women to enter and build careers in construction, while also creating a more inclusive workplace culture will help build a stronger workforce for Queensland’s future.

Supporting Women to Build Long-Term Careers

Women remain underrepresented across Australia’s construction industry, and initiatives such as this recognise the importance of having more women in the field.

It also shows that increasing participation requires more than recruitment alone.

It requires removing barriers to employment and support for long-term career progression.

The CSQ program is designed to support projects that promote construction careers, strengthen workplace inclusion, encourage professional development and build stronger industry networks for women.

Together, these initiatives aim to help more women enter the industry, progress their careers and remain in construction for the long term.

A Positive Direction for Queensland’s Construction Industry

Supporting greater participation in construction benefits everyone.

A more diverse workforce helps strengthen the industry, provides employers with access to a broader talent pool and creates more opportunities for Queenslanders to build rewarding careers.

At Australian Training Institute, we’re encouraged to see continued investment in initiatives that support workforce development and help create a more inclusive future for women in Queensland’s construction industry.