Girls in construction
Introduction to the building and construction industry
The NSW Department of Education is proud to introduce the Year 8 Introduction to the Building and Construction Industry program through the generous sharing of resources from the ACT Government’s Understanding Building and Construction Pilot Program (UBCPP).
This initiative supports NSW’s commitment to:
- Expanding career education in early secondary years
- Promoting gender equity in traditionally male-dominated industries
- Aligns to NSW curriculum priorities, including sustainability, workplace health and safety, and respect for diversity and inclusion across learning environments.
NSW schools will deliver this program using the full suite of lesson plans, student workbooks, and teacher resources developed by the ACT Government in partnership with NAWIC and the National Careers Institute. These materials provide a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the building and construction industry for Year 8 students.
NSW delivery approach
While the content remains unchanged, NSW schools will implement the program with consideration to:
- NSW curriculum links: mapping lessons to NSW syllabus outcomes and general capabilities
- Local contexts: encouraging schools to incorporate local industry examples, guest speakers, or excursions where possible.
- School autonomy: allowing flexibility in lesson timing and integration with existing career education programs.
- Teacher support: providing professional learning opportunities and implementation guidance through NSW curriculum advisors.
Implementation notes
Schools are encouraged to follow the ACT lesson sequence and resource requirements.
- Additional PowerPoints are provided for lessons 1 and 9.
- A student booklet - Introduction to the Building and Construction Industry (4.4 MB) is also provided as a companion resource to support the lessons.
Feedback from NSW schools will be collected to inform future iterations and potential expansion of the program.
This lesson sets the foundation for the program by exploring what the building and construction industry is, why it matters, and how students can begin thinking about their own career pathways. It encourages curiosity, challenges stereotypes, and introduces key concepts like career development, industry roles, and future opportunities.
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Career Development and the Building and Construction Industry (856.5 KB)
Supporting PowerPoint resource: Lesson 1 – What is the Building and Construction Industry (304.1 MB)
Students explore the wide range of careers involved in building and construction, from planning to completion. Through interactive activities, they will discover both familiar trade roles and lesser-known professional occupations such as project managers, designers, civil engineers, certifiers, and construction lawyers. This lesson broadens students’ understanding of the industry and highlights diverse career pathways.
Lesson 2 - Occupations in the Building and Construction Industry (5.5 MB)
Students will explore the difference between a career and an occupation, and begin to reflect on their own interests, values, and aspirations. Through guided activities and discussions, they’ll learn how personal passions and relationships can shape future career choices. This lesson encourages self-awareness and helps students connect what they enjoy doing with potential pathways in the world of work.
Lesson 3 - What is a career? (755.1KB)
Students will explore personal and work-related values and how these influence career choices and decision-making. Through reflective activities, they will identify values that matter most to them and consider how these can guide their future pathways. This lesson builds self-awareness and ethical understanding, helping students connect their values to meaningful work.
Lesson 4 - Values (834.4 kb)
Students will learn what skills are and how they’re developed through life, education, and work. Through a hands-on ‘Building Challenge,’ they will explore key employability skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving. By taking on roles like project manager or engineer, students will reflect on their own strengths and abilities and how these relate to careers in the construction industry.
Lesson 5 - Skills and abilities (865.1 KB)
Students will investigate a range of occupations within the building and construction industry using online career resources. By researching roles that align with their interests, values, and skills, they will gain insight into job responsibilities, required qualifications, and potential career pathways. This lesson builds digital literacy and encourages informed career exploration.
Students will explore the concept of sustainability and its growing importance in the building and construction industry. Through a hands-on ‘Sustainable Building Challenge,’ they’ll design and create products using recycled materials, gaining insight into eco-friendly practices and sustainable design. The lesson also introduces careers and initiatives that support environmental responsibility in construction.
Lesson 7 - Sustainability (4.1 MB)
Students will examine gender roles and stereotypes in the workplace, with a focus on the building and construction industry. Through discussion, media analysis, and group activities, they will explore the importance of diversity, gender balance, and inclusion. The lesson encourages students to challenge assumptions, understand historical patterns of gender segregation, and consider how they can contribute to a more equitable future in the workforce.
Lesson 8 - Gender and diversity (2.7 MB)
Students will explore the importance of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and learn how to advocate for their own wellbeing in professional environments. Through scenario-based activities and multimedia resources, they will examine key concepts such as duty of care, identifying hazards, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and understanding workplace rights and responsibilities. This lesson empowers students to be proactive and informed about safety in the workplace.
Lesson 9 - Safety, rights and responsibilities (1.3 MB)
Supporting PowerPoint resource: Lesson 9 – Workplace Health and Safety
In the final lesson, students will consolidate their learning and begin mapping out their future career pathways. They will reflect on their interests, values, and skills, and explore options such as apprenticeships, VET, TAFE, and university. The lesson introduces the role of career practitioners and encourages students to think about what they want to have, do, and be in the future, empowering them to take the next step with confidence.
Lesson 10 - Career planning (772.9 KB)