Recent Updates in Building and Construction Industry

The building and construction industry has made recent announcements regarding changes in several areas such as a new code of practice, barriers to entry, and plans for progression with women in the building industry. Here are some details about the announcements.

New Code of Practice

According to Master Builders Victoria, the City of Melbourne has released a new Code of Practice for the building, construction, and works. This new code will set out the requirements that must be imposed at all construction sites in order to ensure a safer and more comfortable environment not just for the workers, but for the public as well.

In February this year, a new Code of Practice was adopted by the Future Melbourne of Committee of Council, which would help the construction industry to plan out all their projects more effectively and efficiently. The code will provide clearer requirements as to how to manage public safety and amenity, while at the same time protecting all assets.

The Code of Practice includes information on permits, works planning and documentation; hoardings, gantries, hoisting zones, and site sheds; there’s also information on perimeter scaffolding and catch fans, cranes, skips and rubbish chutes as well as excavations and crossings, barricades and signs, and noise abatement. The information and guidelines regarding these can be seen here: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/planning-and-building-services/construction-development/legislation-guidelines/pages/code-of-practice-building-construction.aspx#amendment

Apprenticeship
In 2020, Hillbrook Projects opened its doors to apprentices who would like to gain knowledge about the industry in pursuit of a future career. The Master Builders Victoria Foundation supports all individuals looking to find a job or advance their careers within the industry. One of the main priorities of the Foundation is to unlock all barriers to entry in the industry and help skilled individuals to either lead or innovate. Next scholarships are now open and you may contact Master Builders Victoria for more information.

Women in the Industry
The Master Builders Victoria is encouraging more women to join the construction and building industry during an industry breakfast with the theme ‘Break the Bias’ attended by 400 women. The MBV recognizes that the industry is male-dominated and would like to achieve a greater representation for skilled women who would like to further their careers in the industry. The Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force has recorded about 41,000 currently employed in the building and construction industry in Victoria alone in November last year, with 1,700 women joining starting three months prior.

Victoria is currently leading the way in terms of women workers; however, data shows that this figure only makes up 12.7 percent of all employees. Out of 320,886 workers, only 40,800 are women. This encouragement is about embracing the difference and celebrating the contribution of all-female team members, leaders, movers, and shakers.

For more information about the participation of women in the building and construction industry, read it here: https://www.vic.gov.au/building-equality-policy