Encouraging women into Interior Construction

The Association of Wall & Ceiling Interiors NZ has, as part of its strategic plan, the goal of establishing a group for Women in Interior Construction to support having more women engaging and working in the sector.

The guiding principles of the group are to:

• Promote the Interior Construction sector as a viable, safe, and enjoyable long-term career option for women.
• Identify and work towards removing barriers for women working on-site.
• Identifying any qualifications or training skills that need to be incorporated or developed for women in the industry.
• Produce information, fact sheets, or good guidance as required.

This newly created group met in early December 2023 and the first order of business was ‘what do we call ourselves? Women in Interior Construction Aotearoa (WICA) was born!

Current representation includes:

• Troake
• NZ Ceilings & Interiors
• Tonic Interior Systems
• Winstones
• Supported by BCITO and the Waihanga Ara Rau Workforce Development Council.

Success for the Group will have more women entering the industry and taking up and completing apprenticeships and achieving their career goals. WICA plans to come up with a framework to see how they can best advance this strategically.

WICA’s reporting line is to the Executive Officer of the Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries and plans to meet at least four times a year with one of the meetings coinciding with the Association’s Annual Conference (2024 in Wellington 13-14 September). The Conference will be a great opportunity to talk with members regarding the work of WICA as well as how members can help to support and achieve the goals of WICA.

The Group will soon be looking for at least two extra members to join their ranks. For more information contact Leeanne de Vries, Chairperson of Women in Interior Construction Aotearoa Working Group at [email protected]