The BuildUP campaign for women apprentices in building and construction has been running for 6 weeks. The campaign, aimed at protecting the rights of women apprentices in building and construction, has been shared across industry channels and apprentices are reaching out.
At the beginning of the campaign, the VRQA sent direct communications to all women apprentices undertaking a building and construction apprenticeship in Victoria. We also distributed stakeholder packs to government, education and industry organisations. Thank you to everyone who has helped us get the word out on the web and social media, including Apprenticeships Victoria, WorkSafe, TAFEs, the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) and the Labour Hire Authority.
Since the campaign started, female and non-binary apprentices in bricklaying, plumbing, signwriting and carpentry have contacted the VRQA for guidance. We are currently providing support to those who have reported issues.
As part of the campaign, VRQA authorised officers have commenced checking in on every woman apprentice currently undertaking a Certificate III in Civil Construction in Victoria. They will contact each apprentice, and/or visit their worksites, during November and December.
The VRQA will release a report on the results of the BuildUP campaign once it has closed.
SpeakUP
If you're a woman apprentice in building and construction who's not getting a fair go, or you're concerned about someone, you can call the BuildUP hotline on (03) 7022 5888 or email BuildUP@education.vic.gov.au
The hotline is open 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
You can leave a message at any time and remain anonymous if you wish.
Share on social media
If you'd like to spread the word about the BuildUP campaign, you can download images to share on social media: