Building new futures for migrant women
A new program to equip women from migrant and refugee backgrounds with skills in construction is set to build more than just new homes, thanks to generous support from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
For the 11,000 young migrant and refugee women living in the Hunter and on the Central Coast, the opportunity to break into the construction industry will help them gain the confidence and skills they need to successfully establish themselves in a new country.
New country, new skills, new life
The program, launched by the School of Architecture and Built Environment, will deliver education and training to at-risk young migrant and refugee women in hard-to-reach culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Participants will be trained by the University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW. They’ll also receive industry placements, critical mentoring and support to increase their chance of success and longevity in a male-dominated industry.
While the construction industry is booming, less than 13 percent of the workforce are women.
“Our goal is to have 50 women aged between 18 and 45 years old obtain a Certificate II in Construction in the first phase of the program. These women will then be able to translate their new skills into life-changing opportunities, including paid jobs, apprenticeships, and even further specialisation, while becoming financially independent and able to support themselves and their families,” says Professor Temitope Egbelakin from the School of Architecture and Built Environment.
This program is giving me my confidence back and will allow me to be financially independent which is a big step forward in life. I am looking forward to working hard and making a life that I deserve.”
- Saeedah, Program Participant
Thank you
We are so grateful to the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for generously funding this initiative, and to the project partners, for helping young migrant and refugee women enter the construction workforce with confidence. Your support will enable positive change for generations to come.
Download your copy of The Gift Read more stories featured in The Gift
Contact
- Kate
- Phone: 02 4921 8612
- Email: philanthropy@newcastle.edu.au
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.