MiTek and the Housing Industry Association have joined forces to launch She Builds The Future – a program designed to inspire, educate and promote diversity in the residential building industry. Source: Timberbiz
“MiTek and HIA are working together to help open doors for the next generation of builders, tradespeople, manufacturers and fabricators,” said David Oliver, Managing Director – MiTek, Asia Pacific.
“As we launch this initiative in line with International Women’s Day and MiTek’s global Women’s Conference, we are proud to create pathways that inspire and empower women and girls to consider careers in building.”
Inspired by the book The House That She Built written by Mollie Elkmann and illustrated by Georgia Costellano, MiTek and HIA have launched “She Builds the Future” as a program that brings the book to life in a meaningful way, helping women navigate the vocational opportunities available in the building and construction industry.
The first initiative is the launch of The House That She Built Australia.
“HIA is excited to be working in partnership with MiTek to establish She Builds the Future and bring The House that She Built to life in Australia. If we can inspire people of all ages to think about the vast range of jobs you can do in this amazing industry, we know we can increase the diversity of the industry and create a culture of inclusion,” said HIA Deputy Managing Director, Kristin Brookfield speaking at MiTek’s global Women’s Conference.
“With women currently making up just 15% of the construction industry in Australia, the book serves as a call to action, encouraging young minds to explore, create and develop skills that build confidence and character.”
Through a series of practical tools and guides, She Builds The Future aims to empower women to explore the world of home building. The initiative will be supported through a series of events and promotional activities across HIA and MiTek platforms over the coming months.
HIA, as a leading industry advocate, is dedicated to guiding young people towards rewarding careers in building and construction. Similarly, MiTek is committed to using its capabilities and expertise to equip individuals with the skills to fill future trade and technology jobs.
HIA and MiTek have worked closely with the book’s author, Mollie Elkman and the National Association of Home Builders to create the Australian edition.
“The She Built Foundation is thrilled to see HIA and MiTek working together to bring The House That She Built to Australia,” said Mollie Elkman who is also founder of the She Built Foundation.
“We believe the most catalytic way to inspire girls is to reach them early in their development and rally the support of their communities around them. Let’s keep encouraging the next generation of builders.”
By supporting initiatives like The House That She Built in Australia and New Zealand, and through She Builds The Future, MiTek and HIA say they are paving the way for a more inclusive workforce where women and diverse talents are not just welcomed but empowered to lead, thrive and contribute meaningfully to the construction industry.
Learn more at www.shebuildsthefuture.com
