We enable and support women to transition into professional roles in infrastructure.

An industry initiative
proudly supported by

The infrastructure industry has a problem with gender diversity. We’ve crafted a program that facilitates women to make a career SWITCH into this rewarding and well-compensated industry. Cadets will be paid, trained, supported and placed in jobs. It’s that simple – there’s no catch!

About SWITCH

Why do we need the SWITCH program in our industry?

12%

Composition of women in the construction workforce of Australia.

35%

Victorian mandates for women in management, supervisor & specialist labour roles created in new government projects.

#1

Ranking of the infrastructure industry in the list of the most male-dominated industries in Australia.

+29%

Pay differential between infrastructure and other industries​.

The Problem

There is a growing shortage of skilled professionals in infrastructure.

There is an increasing trend of women who wish to make mid-career transitions.

111k+

21%

Current shortage of workers in public infrastructure.

Women who made a career change in the last 2 years.

There is a need for a program to bridge this gap in the market. One that can fill these in-demand specialised positions in infrastructure with women seeking fulfilling roles during mid-career transitions.

The Solution

We help women apply their transferable skills in rewarding and well-compensated roles in infrastructure.

This SWITCH program has been designed for women who have developed transferable skills from different occupations that can be applied in specialised infrastructure roles. The program has been structured such that the candidates feel supported and well-prepared before they move into their new careers.

SWITCH summary:

  • 12 month paid cadetship program

  • Part time and flexible options

  • 2-3 weeks of introductory intensive

  • On the job training

  • STEM background not essential

  • Buddy program to support candidates

  • Mentorship and coaching

  • Access to FSC’s people-first culture

Certified Social Enterprise

Switch is a certified for-profit social enterprise.

We are committed to creating positive social impact through our program.

All services offered by Switch are classified as social spend and contribute towards social targets.

Charity Partner

We donate over 50% of our profits to Robogals.

Robogals is a global student run organisation that aims to inspire and empower young women to consider studying engineering and related fields.

We are proud to support the next generation of females in STEM.

SWITCH Roles

Contract Administrator

Transferable skills

  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills

  • Ability to read and understand contract clauses

  • Organised and thorough

  • Understanding of basic finance principles​

  • Ability to resolve disputes and disagreements

Procurement Advisor

Transferable skills

  • Ability to analyse data and spot trends

  • Organised with good follow through

  • Research skills

  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills

  • Ability to track and manage budgets, contracts and payments

Here’s what people are saying about the SWITCH program.

Switch was born from an idea to fix infrastructure’s leaky pipeline and encourage a new flow of smart, experienced women into this challenging and rewarding industry.

Ellen Connor
Founder, SWITCH program

We are looking for women professionals to join our teams. Other than their expertise, they bring a fresh perspective that is long overdue in our industry. We proudly support the SWITCH initiative.

Sam Cooper
Client Partner

I didn’t even know where to begin to change my career path, how to find opportunities and who to contact. The SWITCH program does all the hard work in a very confusing time.

Anonymous
Potential Candidate

Get in touch

Candidates

  • Use your skills in a new career in infrastructure

  • Get paid for on-the-job training

  • Gain support from mentors and colleagues

Applications for the current Switch cohort have closed. Follow Switch on LinkedIn to be made aware of the next round of application dates.

Clients

  • Meet your social procurement requirements by partnering with a certified social enterprise

  • All services provided by Switch will count towards your social targets

  • Tap into a pool of motivated women professionals

  • Improve the gender diversity on your projects

Register your interest

Think you’re a good fit for a role that hasn’t been mentioned here?

Don't see your ideal role listed? No worries. We're always on the lookout for talented women keen on making their mark in Australian infrastructure. Register your details today, or stay in the loop with FSC Switch updates on LinkedIn.