FOR many women looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, the biggest barrier is not a lack of skill or ambition, but confidence.
In Ipswich, the Construct Your Future program is tackling that challenge head-on, offering a practical, supportive pathway into construction and related industries – and delivering real results.
The three-week, job-ready program is delivered by Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) and facilitated by industry specialist Amanda Bulow, who brings more than 25 years of experience in the construction sector.
Designed by women for women, the program combines hands-on exposure with confidence-building and essential job-search skills, helping participants take meaningful steps back into employment.
Ms Bulow said the program was created to showcase the full breadth of opportunities available within construction, challenging outdated perceptions about the industry.
“Construction is so much more than being a tradesperson,” she said.
“This program gives women the opportunity to see what careers are available and work out what suits them as individuals. It’s very much a try-before-you-buy experience.”
A major focus of Construct Your Future is addressing the barriers women commonly face when returning to work.
“It’s easy to believe negative feedback or doubt yourself,” Ms Bulow said.
“On top of that, many women don’t know where to start. Recruitment processes, resumes and interviews have changed a lot in recent years, and that can feel overwhelming.”
To overcome those challenges, the program blends confidence-building with practical learning.
Participants receive support with resume writing, mock interviews, digital and financial literacy, and gain three days of real work experience.
By the end of the program, they also complete their White Card – which Ms Bulow describes as “the keys to the city” – opening the door to employment across the industry.
Beyond skills and qualifications, the program places strong emphasis on connection and community.
“They (the participants) leave with a new community around them,” she said. “That sense of belonging gives women the confidence to move forward.”
The results have been strong. In the October 2025 intake, 100 per cent of participants gained work experience, 80 per cent secured employment, and every participant said they would recommend the program to a friend.
Ms Bulow said those outcomes demonstrate the program’s potential to create lasting change, both for individuals and the wider community.
Ipswich was a natural choice for the program, which is delivered at TAFE Queensland.
Ms Bulow described the city as her hometown and praised the strong local industry support behind the initiative.
She hopes Construct Your Future will not only help women achieve financial independence and secure career pathways, but also strengthen the local workforce.
“When women enter the workforce with confidence and support, the whole community benefits,” she said.
Construct Your Future begins in Ipswich on Tuesday, February 10 and runs from 9am to 2.30pm daily at TAFE Queensland. More information and registrations are available via awic.org.au or sqw@awic.org.au.
This Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
