Laing O’Rourke and North Melbourne Football Club Champion Diversity in Construction

Laing O’Rourke is proud to have partnered with North Melbourne Football Club through the Freestyle – Women in Trades program over the past three years. This is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing representation of women and non-binary people in the building and construction industry.

The Freestyle program offers a suite of opportunities including ‘Try a Trade’ events, training pathways through local TAFEs and registered training organisations, and connections to employment agencies. These efforts are designed to break down barriers and create accessible, rewarding career paths in construction.

“At Laing O’Rourke, we’re committed to reshaping the future of construction,” said Tara Dalgleish, Industry Capability and Inclusion Leader. “Our work on projects like the Eastern Freeway Burke to Tram Project reflect our vision for an inclusive, skilled, and innovative industry.”

The impact of Freestyle is being felt. At a recent Women in Trades Networking Breakfast, Laing O’Rourke and Select Plant Australia met Shelby, a passionate individual eager to pursue a vocational apprenticeship but previously hindered by access barriers. Through Freestyle, Shelby was connected to real opportunities, exemplifying the program’s transformative potential.

Laing O’Rourke is working toward gender parity across its global operations by 2033, supported by robust policies including paid parental leave and gender pay audits. The Freestyle partnership is a key driver in achieving this goal.

Together, Laing O’Rourke, Select Plant Australia and North Melbourne Football Club are kicking goals, not just on the field, but in the future of trades.