Awesome Women In Construction

The world is changing. What were once seen as traditional jobs for men are increasingly attracting females who are breaking down old school stereotypes as they forge careers for themselves in male dominated fields.   

With over 20 years’ experience in construction, Amanda Bulow is a pioneer in that industry and is now helping other women to follow in her footsteps through her not-for-profit organisation Awesome Women in Construction.

A formative experience

Amanda recently appeared on the Gold Coast Insider podcast, sharing her story with host Estella Rodighiero.

“I grew up on 80 acres of farmland near Ipswich where there were no ‘boy or girl jobs' – just jobs, and you had to do them. It was my first experience of equality, without knowing what that was at the time,” Amanda says.

“I was lucky to have many great female role models as leaders when I was growing up. I was taught that I could do whatever I wanted and be whoever I wanted to be, and if that door’s not open, we can kick it open.”

No doubt Amanda's formative experience with equality played a role in shaping her career path. After completing her university education, she quickly grasped a chance to enter the construction sector, where she pursued a career in estimating and procurement.

“I think construction chose me. I began working part time with a residential builder while I was at uni and when they realised I was studying tax law they offered me an administration role. It was at that point of going to work for a large building company that I could see the career opportunities available,” she says.

Succeeding on her own terms

While Amanda had succeeded in a male dominated industry on her own terms, she still felt there was something missing, so she got in touch with some of her female contacts in the construction industry and organised a breakfast where they could share experiences and support each other.

“They all enjoyed it so much that it became a regular monthly meet up and within 3 months we had 48 women joining the group,” Amanda enthused.

It was the beginning of AWIC, which Amanda founded in 2017, and has since launched a number of initiatives to support women in the construction industry, including the Confident Women in Construction Program, which provides women with the tools and the confidence to be a better version of themselves. Amanda says the Program works on both a personal level and in terms of improving the capacity of their respective businesses.

Women are now forging careers in what were once male dominated industries

The next generation

AWIC has also developed the Be Ready app, which is designed to engage the next generation by encouraging more women to enter the construction industry through highlighting the potential career pathways.

“I didn’t know what was available to me in the construction industry when I first started and even though I’ve been in this industry now for many years now I still don’t know all of the answers,” she says.

The app allows women to see what careers are available to them, including the position description and the salary expectations for each role. Amanda is very excited by the potential for the app, largely because she’s so passionate about fostering new talent.   

“There are phenomenal careers available for women in this industry on the Gold Coast that pay very well. The challenge is making more women aware of those opportunities.”

*Find out more about Awesome Women In Construction.

*Listen to Amanda's story on the Gold Coast Insider podcast.