Women are becoming more visible across the construction industry, from project delivery and engineering to technology and leadership, says Immelman.
Recognising women’s contributions, particularly during Women’s Month, offers an opportunity to celebrate progress and encourage the next generation to consider construction as a place to build meaningful careers.
Attracting a wider range of talent is increasingly important as the industry faces skills shortages, productivity pressures and sustainability challenges.
“I think attracting diverse talent is going to be a key way to address those challenges,” Immelman says.
Greater diversity can also strengthen project outcomes. Construction depends on problem-solving and collaboration, and organisations often achieve better results when teams bring together people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
“Construction is ultimately a problem-solving industry,” Immelman says. Whether teams are delivering major infrastructure, managing risk, advancing sustainability or adopting new technology, diverse perspectives can challenge established thinking.
Teams that approach problems from different angles are more likely to find alternative solutions and adapt to changing project requirements, she says. Women are playing an increasingly important role in leading projects, driving innovation and helping organisations navigate change.
“Diversity isn’t simply good for representation; it genuinely makes teams stronger, more resilient and often more innovative,” Immelman says.
She identifies resilience, collaboration, curiosity and adaptability as qualities she has frequently encountered among women in the sector. In a demanding, fast-moving industry, these qualities help people navigate complexity, bring stakeholders together and maintain momentum on projects. She also highlights women’s willingness to embrace technological change and help others adapt.
Leadership and representation
Making women more visible in construction is critical to changing perceptions about who can build a career in the industry, Immelman says.
“When young women see others succeeding in construction—on site, in leadership, technology or innovation—it helps them believe those opportunities are available to them too,” she says.
Leadership has an important role in creating an environment where women can progress. Policies and programmes matter, but effective leaders also provide mentorship, visibility and access to opportunities.
“Great leaders don’t just create a seat at the table; they help people sitting there contribute with confidence,” Immelman says.
Creating opportunities for women means not only bringing more women into the industry, but ensuring they have the support and confidence to participate fully and advance in their careers.
Technology opens new career paths
The rapid digitalisation of construction is changing perceptions of what a career in the industry can involve. Technology is transforming how projects are planned, delivered and managed, while creating new career paths in data, digital engineering, building information modelling, sustainability and artificial intelligence.
This evolution could broaden the industry’s appeal to people who may not previously have considered construction as a career. Immelman says conversations with customers suggest growing recognition of the sector’s wider opportunities.
“I think this evolution is absolutely creating exciting opportunities for women and a more diverse workforce,” she says.
As construction becomes more technology-driven, the workforce will need a combination of traditional technical expertise and new digital capabilities. This creates opportunities for people whose interests extend beyond conventional perceptions of the industry.
Challenging outdated perceptions
Immelman encourages young women considering a career in construction not to let outdated perceptions shape their view of the sector. The industry is broader than many people realise, with opportunities in technology, design, sustainability, engineering and business leadership.
“Construction is one of the most impactful industries in the world. It shapes the buildings, the infrastructure and the communities we rely on every day,” she says.
Her advice to prospective entrants is to stay curious, ask questions, seek mentors and trust their abilities.
“What the industry needs now more than ever is fresh thinking and diverse perspectives,” she says.
Ultimately, Immelman believes construction’s future will depend not only on technological advancement, productivity and innovation, but also on the people behind that progress.
“At the end of the day, behind all of these projects are individuals trying to solve problems. They’re trying to create opportunities and build something that lasts,” she says.
Bringing diverse voices into those conversations will remain important as the sector evolves.
“The future of construction will be shaped by those willing to challenge traditional thinking, embrace innovation and help create a diverse industry for generations to come,” Immelman concludes.
