The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring new career opportunities for women in local government, with applications open for the Women Building Surveyors Program.

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane unveiled the $6.3 million program which will create 40 positions for women looking to re-train as municipal building surveyors at councils.

Delivered in partnership with LGPro, the program announced as part of the Victorian Budget 2020/21 offers a way for women to take up jobs supporting Victoria’s building sector with councils or a group of councils able to put forward a candidate for one of the program places.

Construction has long been a male-dominated industry, but programs like these are improving the gender balance, filling a skills shortage and contributing to a key part of the state’s economic recovery.

The program will fund successful candidates to begin the Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying or the Bachelor of Building Surveying and gain work experience with their council. LGPro will also run complementary professional development opportunities and events.

Municipal building surveyors are a crucial cog in the construction industry. Employed by councils, they issue permits that allow work to commence and ensure that works comply with legal requirements. They also carry out inspections to ensure work is done correctly and issue occupancy permits or certificates of final inspection.

All 79 councils in Victoria are able to nominate one of their female staff members or recruit a female staff member to participate in the program commencing in late January 2021.

Further information on the program, go to localgovernment.vic.gov.au.