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Following its strong start in NSW, the Property Council of Australia’s Girls in Property Program is now in Perth as the real estate body looks to continue empowering young women to explore a diverse range of career opportunities in the industry.
On 13 June, a total of 60 female high school students from Penrhos College and St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls participated in the day-long initiative dedicated to learning about Western Australia’s property industry.
The initiative, which kicked off in Brookfield Place in Perth, aims to give participants a “a deeper understanding” of the property industry’s significance in Australia’s social and economic development.
During the event, participants attended learning sessions where they heard from industry leaders about their own career journeys, as well as discovering various education options and pathways that can lead to a successful career in property.
Additionally, students had the opportunity to embark on industry site tours across Perth CBD, allowing them to witness firsthand the real-world applications of their learnings.
They were also able to network, connect, and engage with leaders within the property industry, providing them with an opportunity to ask questions and seek guidance.
Property Council WA executive director Sandra Brewer said the program provides future generations with “a tangible glimpse of what a career in property can entail”.
“Property offers a plethora of exciting career opportunities, however often young women haven’t been exposed to the range of careers available,” Ms Brewer commented.
She highlighted there is a common perception that a career in property is “limited to jobs in construction, conjuring up images of trades, tools and hard hats”.
“While it can be all these things, there are also exciting roles available in property law, finance, planning, architecture, asset and facilities management, leasing, sales and marketing, and many more,” she stated.
To achieve this, Ms Brewer highlighted the program involves “exceptional and enthusiastic industry mentors” who can showcase to the participants the “pathways in property they may not be aware of”.
Citing the Australian Electoral Commission data from 2019, which showed women comprise 24.3 per cent of the property industry, Ms Brewer emphasised the Property Council’s program is part of the body’s advocacy for “advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion”, especially with regard to women’s participation in the property industry.
“Empowering young women to consider the property industry as a viable career choice will only enhance diversity and innovation for the future,” she said.
After a successful pilot project in NSW in 2017, the Property Council expanded the Girls in Property program nationwide in 2018. Now in its fifth year, the program has engaged over 1,500 students from across the country since its inception.
“The Girls in Property program serves as another collaborative effort with industry leaders to support these objectives and provide the necessary information and positive influences for women to succeed,” Ms Brewer concluded.
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