{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

See it, dream it

{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Promoting construction industry careers to female high school students through virtual reality.

If you can see it, you can dream it and you can be it. It is that philosophy that has inspired the creation of a virtual reality construction site tool to open female students to the world of building and construction.

The recent release of a research paper from the 2019 International Women’s Day (IWD) Scholarship recipient, Dr Fiona Lamari, which presents an innovative approach to engaging with female high school students through a Virtual Construction Site (VCS) Tour. 

The IWD Scholarship has been awarded annually since 2009. A total of $220,000 has been invested into aiding research that improves, benefits and empowers women in the construction industry. It hopes to contribute to the conversation about an equal balance of women in the industry that will benefit everyone. 

Over the past 12 months, Dr Lamari, lecturer in construction management at Queensland university of Technology (QUT), has developed and rolled out the VCS Tour. The VCS Tour mimics a realistic building site and showcases the diversity of career options available in the construction industry. During the VCS Tour, students can look around a 360º view while hearing onsite professionals speaking as if spoken to on an actual construction site.

Dr Lamari’s aim is to use the technology to ultimately increase female participation in construction-related careers as well as bring construction sites to students in regional locations. At the completion of the project, Dr Lamari’s research findings concluded:

  • The VCS Tour experience had a positive impact on changing students’ perceptions that construction is a male-dominated career choice with a 34 per cent improvement and 40 per cent improvement for regional students;
  • Four out of five students believe they have an increased understanding of peoples’ roles in construction after the VCS Tour;
  • The VCS Tour experience increased students’ level of interest in the construction industry;
  • The VCS Tour experience triggered students’ interest in a construction career, with an 11 per cent increase in regional students; and
  • School teachers could see huge potential in using the VCS Tour as a teaching aid.

As a result of her VCS Tour and her research findings, Dr Lamari has made recommendations that will enable schools, universities and broader construction networks to better engage with female high school students to communicate the potential for a construction career, especially in the immersive technology space. This is turn will help lead to a more equitable industry where women fully participate.

Read about the success of women in our industry.

You might also like:

Apprentice Awards Financial planning People
Go figure!
Changing his career path from studying finance to taking on an apprenticeship was undoubtedly the right move for Hobart’s Oliver Burnell. His skill, determination and passion for advocacy are just some traits that won him the 2024...
Jul 24
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Affordable Awards Apprentice People
Social impact
Housing affordability is spiralling out of control but winner of the 2024 HIA Australian Professional Medium Builder/Renovator award, St Joseph Affordable Homes, emerges as a beacon of hope. It’s pioneering innovative solutions co...
Jul 24
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Awards Business plans People
It all starts here
When Crew Built launched in 2021, the passionate team had a combined industry experience of more than four decades. So, what made them stand out to win the 2024 HIA Australian Start-Up Business Award?
Jun 24
3 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Building Women Kitchens People
Be the good
A passionate perfectionist, Kristy Francis of Lathams Kitchens is embarking on her 25th year in the building industry. An integral part of several HIA committees, she reveals her talent and what keeps her motivated.
Apr 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Construction Inspiration People
From the torrent
Lismore builder and businessman Joel Jensen experienced the catastrophic floods in summer 2022, but his close bond with the community left a lasting effect.
Apr 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Apprentice People Timber
Ever evolving
Described by past clients as ‘artistically gifted’ and ‘a lateral thinker’, home builder and carpenter Kane Harrison treats every project as a labour of love.
Apr 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Residential Business operations Awards People
The right time
After 45 years in the game, HIA’s Managing Director Graham Wolfe is saying goodbye to an industry and Association he loves. Housing shares lessons learnt and his thoughts on the remarkable resilience of Aussie builders.
Aug 23
5 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice People Building Women
Future direction
As Jocelyn Martin steps into HIA’s managing director role, she is focused on maintaining the Association’s respected industry voice and enhancing our connection with members.
Aug 23
2 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Building Women Awards Residential People
Major league
Former university student Bailee Major made the unexpected jump from academia to carpentry. Her determination and unwavering commitment to her craft have set her on the road to success.
Aug 23
5 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Awards People Residential Managing staff
The lucky ones
Jethro Urwin, winner of the 2023 HIA Australian Apprentice Host Trainer award, is passionate about helping young people see the value of a career in the building industry.
Aug 23
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Building Women Small business People
The difference maker
Start with originality and imagination. Now add in problem-solving skills and a commitment to change and you have a future leader. Beth Mercieca, the 2023 HIA Jim Brookes Australian Apprentice winner, embodies all of the above and...
Jun 23
5 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Business systems Communication People
Embracing change
The residential housing industry – and the world itself – has changed, expanded and adapted since Suzanne Burke was awarded the 2013 HIA Australian Business Partner of the Year award. Discover her proficiency for process and her a...
May 23
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight