Women in Construction - Try a Trade Day
March 2026
Breaking Barriers in Civil Construction
Female students gained firsthand experience in the civil construction industry during Shadforth's Women in Construction – Try a Trade Day, delivered in partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ).
Shadforth and Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) recently welcomed female students on site for a hands-on industry experience designed to showcase the opportunities, challenges and rewarding careers available in civil construction.
For many of the students attending the Women in Civil Try a Trade Day, it was their first time stepping onto an active construction site and, despite the wet weather, the experience provided genuine insight into an industry that continues to evolve and diversify.
Nine students from Years 10–12, alongside two teachers, spent the day immersed in the practical side of civil construction while hearing directly from the people building careers within it.
Rather than simply observing from the sidelines, students were introduced to the real-world challenges and problem-solving that shape major infrastructure projects every day. Guided by members of the Shadforth team, the group explored active works across the site, gaining an understanding of how engineering, safety, planning and operations come together to deliver complex projects.
One of the most valuable aspects of the day came through conversations with Shadforth team members, including Site Engineers Liam Brassington and Martine Brekhoff-Jones, and Site Safety Advisor Brooke MacDonald, who shared their own career journeys and experiences working in the industry. Their stories highlighted the broad range of pathways available within civil construction and the growing opportunities for women across operational, technical and leadership roles.
The site visit provided students with a close-up look at retaining wall works, underground pipe installation and bulk earthworks operations, while discussions around design changes and ground conditions demonstrated the adaptability and critical thinking required on construction projects.
The Women in Civil Try a Trade Day reflects Shadforth's ongoing commitment to supporting industry pathways and creating opportunities for the next generation to explore careers in construction. Through partnerships with organisations such as CSQ, initiatives like these help break down perceptions of the industry and encourage more women to consider a career in civil construction.
