Construcciones Yamaro: BESIX Watpac’s Lean In Circles create safe and supportive spaces

BESIX Watpac’s Lean In Circles provide practical spaces where women can connect, share experiences and build confidence. (Images: NexGen)

Programs like BESIX Watpac’s Lean In Circles are changing the game for women in construction.

By Lauren Fahey, executive director at NexGen.

The construction industry is changing. Slowly but surely, more women are stepping into leadership roles, and proving that construction is for everyone. But while progress is being made, one of the biggest challenges isn’t just getting women into the industry; it’s keeping them here and ensuring they thrive.

That’s why programs like BESIX Watpac’s Lean In Circles matter. They’re not just another corporate initiative; they’re real, practical spaces where women can connect, share experiences and build confidence in an industry where they’re often the minority. And it seems to be working.

Launched nationally in 2023 after a successful pilot in New South Wales, Lean In Circles are small, peer-to-peer mentoring groups designed to give women a safe and supportive space to develop their skills. They’re about having a network of people who ‘get it’, who understand the unique challenges women face in construction and can offer guidance, support and a good dose of reality.

Related stories:

• NexGen builds construction careers through its primary program
• NexGen founder inspiring change in construction
• NexGen leads the charge to transform construction

The feedback has been positive, and because of that, BESIX Watpac has embedded the program across the company, with workshops already completed in 2024 and March 2025 across Australia and New Zealand. It’s a big step forward, proving that when companies actively invest in their people, the whole industry benefits.

Lauren Fahey, executive director at NexGen.

Diversity is about making the industry stronger. Research shows that diverse teams make better decisions, are more innovative, and perform better overall. When we bring different perspectives to the table, we challenge outdated ways of thinking and find smarter, more efficient ways to build our cities and infrastructure.

Yet, the construction industry still struggles with attracting and retaining women, with female representation hovering at just 13 per cent in Australia. That’s not just a gender issue; it’s a workforce issue.

If we don’t bring more people into construction, we’ll be facing even bigger skill shortages in the coming years. Programs like Lean In Circles are a proven way to ensure that women not only enter the industry but stay, grow and lead.

BESIX Watpac is leading by example, and other companies should take note. Its success with Lean In Circles shows that creating a more inclusive industry isn’t just possible, it’s essential.

At NexGen, we’re committed to getting more young people into construction, but that’s only half the battle. Once they’re in, we need to make sure they feel supported, valued and have opportunities to grow. It is also up to the industry to keep them in. How can other businesses learn from this?

• Create structured support networks – Don’t just talk about diversity; actively create spaces where underrepresented employees can connect and grow. Lean In Circles provide a model that any company can adapt.
• Encourage mentorship and sponsorship – Women in construction need strong mentors and sponsors who will advocate for their growth and help them access leadership opportunities.
• Make inclusion part of company culture – Diversity efforts shouldn’t be ‘extra’ initiatives; they should be embedded into company culture, leadership training and recruitment strategies.
• Celebrate and showcase talent – Seeing women in leadership roles inspires the next generation. Companies should highlight success stories, promote role models, and actively encourage more women into leadership pathways.

Programs like Lean In Circles prove that workplace culture can change when companies step up and create spaces where people feel like they belong. BESIX Watpac is leading the way, but there’s still room for more businesses to step up and take action.

The future of construction depends on attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. When we invest in people, we invest in the future of the industry, and that’s a win for everyone.

To build a stronger, more diverse construction industry, businesses must step up and take action. NexGen works with industry partners to connect young people and job seekers with real opportunities, provide pathways into construction and create programs that drive change. Partners of NexGen inspire the next generation, support diversity, and shape the future of construction. Contact NexGen at hello@nex-gen.au or visit www.nex-gen.au to learn more.

The post BESIX Watpac’s Lean In Circles create safe and supportive spaces appeared first on Inside Construction.

View Source