Celebrating International Women’s Day at St Aloysius College: inspiring the next generation

Building Engineering in partnership with SEMZ had the privilege of visiting St Aloysius College in North Melbourne on Monday to present at the school’s International Women’s Day assembly. Rachel Richter, Head of Marketing, and Amani Eljari, Project Manager from Building Engineering along with Saskia Williams and Caera Hall, Project Managers at SEMZ, delivered an inspiring presentation encouraging students to explore opportunities in construction and beyond.

As part of Building Engineering’s Women in Construction program, the visit aimed to showcase the evolving role of women in the construction industry and how it is a field for all genders. Addressing the students, Rachel Richter emphasised that “the world is co-ed, and so is the construction industry, where both men and women work side by side to build amazing things. We’re here to show you what’s possible when we come together in such a dynamic industry,” drawing parallels to St Aloysius’ recent transition to a co-ed learning environment.

The presentation touched on several key topics, beginning with an introduction to Building Engineering and SEMZ, outlining both organisations’ integral roles in bringing the exciting new school facilities to life. The team also highlighted the unique opportunities available in construction, from project management to design, while busting myths about the industry being male dominated.

Sharing their personal career journeys, Amani, Saskia, Caera, and Rachel inspired the students with stories of overcoming challenges, finding their passion, and building successful careers in a field traditionally perceived as male dominated. Their experiences illustrated the diversity and inclusivity of the construction industry today, encouraging students to consider a future in the sector.

As St Aloysius College continues to embrace a co-educational model, the message resonated deeply with students. The day was filled with inspiration, learning, and breaking down barriers, reinforcing the idea that the future holds endless possibilities—whether in construction or any field of their choosing.