The Awesome Women in Construction Awards are back for their fifth year, and if you haven’t paid attention before, 2026 might be the year to start.
The AWIC Awards aren’t just a gala night. They’re one of the few places in this industry where the people doing the actual work get properly recognised, from machinery operators and apprentices through to business owners, advocates and industry leaders.
This year’s theme is “Licensed to Build”, and it lands well. Because that’s exactly what these women are doing. Building careers, building teams, building businesses, and in a lot of cases, building the industry up for the people coming behind them.
What’s new in 2026
AWIC has made a deliberate move this year to reduce the barriers that stop people nominating.
Nomination fees across all Young Achiever categories have been waived for self-nominations. It’s a practical change, not just a symbolic one. For a young woman on-site or in training, the cost and admin of putting your hand up can be enough to make you not bother. This removes that friction.
John Deere has also stepped in to cover nomination fees for the Outstanding Woman in Construction Machinery category. Karen Poulton from John Deere put it simply: these women exist, they’re running heavy machinery every day, and they deserve to be celebrated. So John Deere is picking up the cost. That’s the kind of industry support that doesn’t get enough airtime.
The categories worth knowing
The Young Achiever categories run from Under 18 through to Under 28, recognising women who are early in their careers but already committed to the industry.
Beyond that, there are categories for Small and Large Business of the Year, Female Leader, Male Advocate, and Contribution to Construction, which covers women making an impact across law, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The Male Advocate category is worth highlighting. Progress in this industry doesn’t happen in isolation. The men who actively champion gender equity and create real pathways for women deserve recognition too. AWIC gets that.
Why it matters beyond the awards night
The construction industry has a pipeline problem. Not enough young people are choosing trades and construction careers, and part of that is the story being told about the industry from the outside.
Events like the AWIC Awards do something important. They show what’s actually happening inside the industry. Women leading businesses, mentoring others, innovating in technical fields, and operating heavy machinery with expertise and pride.
That visibility matters. For the 17-year-old deciding whether to pursue a trade. For the mid-career professional wondering if there’s a path forward. For the industry trying to attract and retain the next generation.
Nominations close Monday 25 May.
If you know someone doing good work, nominate them. If that someone is you, put your hand up.
Head to awic.org.au/awards-2026 or email [email protected].
More Women in Construction news: From Support Work to Sawdust: How One Northern Rivers Mum Found Her Trade.
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