BMD and UNIQ You launch trailblazing national partnership

UNIQ You, a Queensland-based not-for-profit organisation now expanding nationally, connects high school girls with female professionals to inspire and guide them towards careers in male-dominated industries.

As a founding partner since 2021, BMD’s talented engineers and construction professionals have been instrumental in educating almost 500 young women from 25 different schools about the diverse career opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and VET (Vocational Education and Training) roles.

With Engineers Australia reporting just 14% of all engineering graduates are women, BMD continues to prioritise growing a strong pipeline of female students in STEM with the flow-on effects both improving diversity within the industry and addressing the growing critical skills and worker shortage in Australia.

BMD Executive General Manager – Constructions Jeff Gallus said the new national partnership with UNIQ You reflected BMD’s commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity across Australia.

“At BMD, we know that we benefit from diverse perspectives to solve the challenges of today and so that our sector can continue to benefit from new talent."

“Supporting UNIQ You is about living our values and fostering a culture of inclusivity and we are excited to inspire and educate young women, helping them realise their potential in the construction industry."

“Research shows us that focusing on early education and awareness helps to encourage more girls and young women to pursue careers in construction and engineering and we see it as our responsibility to shine a spotlight on what this industry is all about,” Mr Gallus said.

UNIQ You CEO Val Ridley said feedback received from school students who have met with BMD’s mentors is proof that this partnership and these conversations not only changed mindsets and career trajectories, but also lives.

"It's not just about inspiring confidence; it's about opening doors and showing these students they have a place in industries like construction. These interactions with BMD advisors have significantly impacted participants, with 87% of students increasing their knowledge about construction roles and 76% feeling more confident in pursuing careers in these fields," she said.

“Hearing testimonials from our students including, 'It was a great intro to these roles and the women were easy to talk to and ask questions,' highlights the vital role the BMD advisors continue to play."

“When students say, 'Hearing about other women's success, especially in male-dominated careers, is always encouraging,' it underscores the importance of providing these young women with access to high-calibre professionals in the field."

“We are honoured to have our founding partner BMD sign on to be our first national partnership, with their national connections set to assist us in entering new regions to reach more schools and students,” Ms Ridley said.

BMD’s support is about living our values and fostering a culture of inclusivity where we know we can inspire and educate young women to realise their potential in the construction industry.

Pictured: BMD Executive General Manager – Constructions Jeff Gallus, UNIQ You CEO Val Ridley, BMD Group General Manager Corporate Affairs Katie O’Malley