CPB Contractors' West Gate Tunnel (WGT) project team recently lent their visitor information center to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for their "Beyond the Barriers" event. Focused on increasing female representation in a traditionally male-dominated field, the evening brought a diverse group of females considering construction together with industry professionals, educational institutions and government bodies.
A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring female employees and subcontractors from the project – Chi Shanankar, Tamara Clarke, Kelsey Harrison, Holly Lay, Renee Glenane, Ella Murphy – who shared details on their current roles and their unique career journeys. The group emphasised the importance of perseverance and continual learning and answered questions from guests considering a career in the industry.
With more than 50 attendees, guests also participated in one-on-one information sessions with key industry stakeholders, including representatives from the WGT project, CPB Contractors’ corporate team, project subcontractors, TAFE Victoria, Group Training organisations, and officials from the Victorian Department of Education. The sessions gave attendees insights into ways they could enter the industry, such as training, apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and current vacancies.
Following the formal sessions, guests toured the information centre, where they learned about the project's scope and impact.
CPB Contractors is committed to enabling gender equality across its operations and providing safe, inclusive and diverse workplaces with equal career opportunities. As a long-standing partner of NAWIC and as part of delivering CPB Contractors’ Gender Equality Action Plan, events like these are a commitment across operations. CPB Contractors is pleased to support initiatives like NAWIC’s Beyond The Barriers program, which plays a role in making the industry more inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all.