When Hannah Keirl walks onto a job site, she’s not just showing up for herself. She’s walking in for the thousands of women who never saw this pathway as possible.

As the Manager – Community Relations, Marketing & Projects at Carpentry Australia, Keirl is spearheading initiatives that aim to create a more equitable future for everyone in the trade. And she’s not here for lip service.

“Since July last year, we’ve helped place 41 women into carpentry apprenticeships,” she told The Good Builder. “That might not sound like a lot, but considering women on the tools in carpentry are less than 3% of all carpenters, 41 is a big number.”

The Apprenticeship Gap No One Talks About

While the skills shortage in the construction industry is well documented, few realise how much harder it is for women to even get a foot in the door. Carpentry Australia surveyed female apprentice candidates and uncovered a brutal statistic: it takes women 111 days on average to find an employer willing to give them a go. For men? 14 days.

“There’s definitely a disparity,” says Keirl. “That’s why we created the Employer of Choice network. Right now, we’ve got over 100 of them in New South Wales alone and we’re building it out nationally. If you’re a builder or employer and you want to be part of the change, it’s free to sign up. We’ll even highlight your profile.”

The goal? Speed up the connection between eager, qualified women and employers who are willing to support them. And it’s working.

What Does a Good Job Site Look Like?

It’s not just about hiring. It’s about building a culture where people can thrive. “Nothing really happens on site that should be horrible enough that you can’t get home safe at the end of the day,” Keirl says. “And that goes for both physical and mental safety as well.”

When a new apprentice joins a team, the ripple effect can be powerful. Keirl shared the story of a builder who reached out to her before hiring a female apprentice. “He called us just to make sure he was doing everything right,” she recalls. “He asked, ‘Is there anything I’ve missed? Is there anything else I should be doing?’ That’s the kind of leadership we need.”

That apprentice is now thriving in her new crew. “They had a chat with the whole team before she joined, made sure everyone was on the same page. And now she’s one of the first on site, packed lunch, ready to go. Passionate. Keen. Absolutely flying.”

Changing the Story

The idea that construction sites are always rough, unwelcoming places is an outdated stereotype. But like any industry, culture change takes work. “We all have a responsibility to each other and to the industry to do better,” Keirl says. “Jobs have no gender. But if you’ve never seen someone like you on site, it’s hard to imagine yourself there.”

That’s why visibility matters so much. “Growing up, you’re always told, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ But I think that applies to everyone, not just women. What does a good job look like? A good builder? A good teammate? If we don’t show that, how can we expect people to aim for it?”

A Holistic View of the Trade

Carpentry Australia doesn’t just provide job listings or a pat on the back. They support the whole journey—from the first day on the tools to becoming an employer, trainer, or industry advocate. Their free membership for apprentices is just one way they remove barriers.

“We don’t need to teach you how to use a hammer,” Keirl says. “We want to build really good, strong, healthy humans. We’re here to help you succeed in every part of the trade—mentally, physically, and emotionally.”

And it’s not all on the apprentices. It’s on all of us. Keirl and the Carpentry Australia team make themselves available to any employer who wants to do better. “Just give us a call. We’ll talk you through it. We’re here to help.”

Building the Future Together

The results speak for themselves. Every woman who finds her place on a job site paves the way for others. Every builder who steps up to be an Employer of Choice helps redefine what this industry can be.

And as Keirl puts it, the mission isn’t about short-term wins. It’s about building a legacy. “We’re helping tackle the problem of who’s going to be our next generation of builders. More than half the trade roles in 2024 are going unfilled. That’s a crisis—but it’s also an opportunity.”

From advocacy and employer support to hands-on placement and mentorship, Carpentry Australia is showing what real leadership in construction looks like. And with voices like Hannah Keirl leading the charge, the future of carpentry is looking more balanced, more inclusive, and a hell of a lot more inspiring.

Are You a Woman in Construction?

At The Good Builder, we’re committed to sharing real stories from the people shaping the future of the industry. If you’re a woman working in construction—on the tools, behind the scenes, or leading from the front—we want to hear from you.

Send us a message or email to get involved. Your story could inspire the next generation.

Author: The Good Builder

The Good Builder is a media platform that provides news and insights for Australia’s home building industry. From exclusive stories and curated insights to bold industry perspectives, we deliver the news and updates that keep builders, suppliers, and the entire home building industry inspired and ahead of the curve.