From the classroom to the construction site – Inspiring the next generation of women in construction
SHAPE was proud to support the Property Council of Australia’s Girls in Property (GIP) program in Adelaide, welcoming more than 100 female high school students from over 10 South Australian schools for an opportunity to explore career pathways within the property and construction industry.
As a supporting sponsor of the initiative, SHAPE hosted two of the three project site tours delivered as part of the program, providing students with a firsthand look at live construction projects and the diverse career opportunities available across the built environment.
Programs such as GIP play an important role in raising awareness of the wide range of career pathways available and helping students connect with industry professionals who can share their experiences and insights.
On the site visits, students heard from SHAPE Adelaide team members who shared their personal career journeys, experiences working in construction and advice for those considering a future in the industry. Their stories highlighted the variety of pathways into the sector and reinforced that there is no single route to building a successful career in construction.
As part of the day, students toured two live Adelaide projects currently being delivered by SHAPE Adelaide.
The first was the University Senior College Redevelopment Project, which is transforming a former commercial office space at 178 North Terrace into a contemporary secondary learning environment. The adaptive reuse project will deliver state-of-the-art learning and teaching spaces, student study zones and dedicated staff facilities, supporting the College’s strategic vision for future growth and an enhanced student and staff experience.
Students also visited the Ultra Short Pulse Laser Fitout for Adelaide University, a highly specialised research facility that will house an ISO 7 cleanroom and controlled research environment designed to support advanced laser technology. The project requires stringent environmental controls, including low dust levels, stable temperature and humidity conditions, positive air pressure and finishes designed to minimise vibration and reflections, creating the precise conditions required for leading-edge research.
The tours gave students a unique opportunity to see the breadth of work delivered across the education and research sectors, while gaining insight into the planning, collaboration and technical expertise required to bring complex projects to life.
The event also highlighted SHAPE’s long-standing partnership with the University of Adelaide. Over the years, SHAPE has delivered several significant projects for the University, including the redevelopment of Union House, the Quantum Materials Laboratory and Nexus 10, helping create innovative spaces that support learning, collaboration and research excellence.
Grant Patterson, General Manager at SHAPE - SA, said initiatives such as Girls in Property are essential for building a more diverse and representative industry.
"Girls in Property is a fantastic initiative that helps shine a light on the amazing career opportunities our industry has to offer. Creating a more diverse workforce starts with giving young people exposure to the many career paths available and helping them see what's possible,” said Grant.
“By connecting students with industry professionals, GIP provides valuable insights and real conversations that can inspire future careers. We are proud to support initiatives that help inspire the next generation and encourage more women to pursue careers across the property and construction sectors."
As SHAPE continues to invest in developing future talent, supporting programs such as GIP complements the company’s broader commitment to creating pathways into the industry through initiatives including its national Cadet Experience Program, which provides students and recent graduates with hands-on experience, mentoring and structured career development opportunities.
Discover more about SHAPE’s Cadet Experience Program here.
