Construction Workforce Summit

Australia’s construction sector is at a turning point. A shrinking talent pool, rising project demands, and cultural shifts are reshaping the industry’s workforce. This special address will take a high-level view of the challenges and opportunities ahead, exploring how the sector can adapt to new workforce realities.

Nicholas Proud, Chief Executive Officer National, Civil Contractors Federation Australia (CCF)

Maximising Workforce Productivity: Skills, leadership, and industry transformation

A focused discussion on the workforce challenges impacting construction productivity. Drawing from his expertise in research, workforce planning, and industry policy, Rob Sobyra will explore how evolving skill demands, leadership development, and industry transformation are reshaping workforce efficiency. This address will highlight strategies to enhance productivity through industry-led training, stronger education-employer collaboration, and policy-driven workforce resilience.

Robert Sobyra, Executive Director ‑ Research & Planning, BuildSkills Australia

As Australia faces unprecedented infrastructure demands, the intersection of workforce capability, policy, and investment has never been more critical. This keynote will explore how Infrastructure Australia is shaping the future of the sector through strategic planning, workforce development initiatives, and long-term infrastructure investment. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into how government and industry collaboration can drive productivity, improve job security, and build a stronger construction sector for the decades ahead.

Sophie Fox, Director, Industry Policy, Infrastructure Australia

As construction companies face mounting labour shortages, rising costs, and shifting workforce expectations, increasing productivity is no longer just about efficiency—it’s about sustainability. Long hours, outdated work structures, and high-pressure environments are driving workers out of the industry, particularly younger generations who prioritize work-life balance. To secure a future-ready workforce, industry leaders must rethink traditional practices, embrace new strategies, and foster a culture that attracts and retains talent.

• Work Hours & Burnout: Are long shifts and six-day workweeks making the industry less attractive?
• Retention Through Better Conditions: How reducing overtime and improving workplace culture can actually boost efficiency
• Attracting the Next Generation: What Gen Z expects from construction careers and how the industry must evolve
• Technology & Innovation: The role of automation, digital tools, and smarter work structures in improving productivity
• Leadership in a changing industry: Steps companies can take now to build a resilient, motivated workforce

Panellists:

Mary Lemonis, Chief People Officer, Built

Emily Brooks, Group People Manager, BESIX Watpac

Mitchell Stubbs, Head of People and Culture, Growthbuilt

Anna Pearson, General Manager Human Resources, McConnell Dowell

Facilitated by:

Kylie Yates, Chief Executive Officer NSW, Civil Contractors Federation Australia (CCF)

In this session we bring together delegates for a series of 30 minute facilitated round table discussions with leading industry experts. Join the table that interests you most to discuss hot topics and share ideas for tackling some of the biggest challenges on the road to success in Construction Workforce.

Round Table 1:            Indigenous recruitment & career progression: bridging the gap

Led by: Dart Johnson, Group Indigenous Program Manager, BMD Group

Round Table 2:            Gen Z and the future of construction: what needs to change?

Led by: Ryan Loomans, Chair, Emerging Professionals in Infrastructure Queensland (EPIQ)

Round Table 3:            Mental health in construction: moving from awareness to action

Led by: Rae Bonney, Workplace Mental Health, Safety & Wellbeing Specialist, Rae Bonney

Round Table 4:            Breaking barriers: strategies for recruiting and retaining women in construction

Round Table 5:            Future-proofing the workforce: rethinking recruitment for large-scale developments

Round Table 6:            Maximising productivity without burnout: smarter work practices for a sustainable workforce

Round Table 7:            Bridging the skills gap: are our training programs fit for purpose?

Round Table 8:            Transforming the workforce for a sustainable future: upskilling in green construction

Dart Johnson, Group Indigenous Program Manager, BMD Group

Ryan Loomans, Project Engineer - Building Services & Utilities, UGL and Chair, Emerging Professionals in Infrastructure Queensland (EPIQ)

Rae Bonney, Workplace Mental Health, Safety & Wellbeing Specialist, Rae Bonney

The construction industry is evolving, moving away from traditional, rigid workplace cultures toward a more inclusive, innovative, and people-focused environment. This keynote will explore how businesses can drive cultural transformation, adapt to changing workforce expectations, and attract the next generation of talent.

• Shifting from command-and-control leadership to a collaborative workplace culture
• Embracing diversity, inclusion, and flexibility to future-proof the industry
• The impact of digital transformation on workplace dynamics and jobsite efficiency
• Lessons from industries that have successfully modernised their workforce culture

Dominique Gill, Founder & Managing Director, Urban Core

This opening address will set the stage for the conversation on culture and diversity, highlighting key behavioral shifts, generational expectations, and the importance of inclusive practices in attracting and retaining future talent in the construction industry.

Lauren Fahey, Executive Director, NexGen

Following Lauren’s scene-setting remarks, this panel will explore the key challenges and opportunities in transforming workplace culture. From fostering inclusive environments for women and Indigenous workers to addressing unconscious bias and generational shifts, this discussion will focus on leadership, policy, and practical strategies for lasting change.

• Evolving Workplace Culture: Promoting inclusivity and a respectful work environment
• Women in Construction: Removing career barriers and fostering industry-wide support
• Indigenous Inclusion: Addressing cultural considerations and employment challenges
• Generational Shifts: Attracting the Next Generation and what does Gen Z expect from construction careers and how the industry must evolve
• Learning & Development: Retaining and developing diverse candidates with mentoring programs, coaching, leadership development and executive sponsorship.

Panellists:

Jody Kershaw, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Webuild Group

Dart Johnson, Group Indigenous Program Manager, BMD Group

Lucinda Shilcock, Area Manager, Apprenticeship Support Australia

Ryan Loomans, Project Engineer - Building Services & Utilities, UGL and Chair, Emerging Professionals in Infrastructure Queensland (EPIQ)

Facilitated by:

Lauren Fahey, Executive Director, NexGen

This session will explore practical strategies to bridge the skills gap, including innovative training programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and workforce planning initiatives. Industry leaders will share insights on what’s working, what needs to change, and how construction can remain competitive in an evolving labour market.

• The current state of the skills shortage and its impact on project timelines and costs
• New approaches to training and upskilling, from apprenticeships to on-the-job learning
• The role of industry and government in shaping long-term workforce strategies
• How to make construction careers more attractive to the next generation of workers

With ongoing labour shortages and shifting workforce expectations, construction companies must rethink how they attract, train, and retain talent to boost productivity and long-term industry resilience. From apprenticeships to leadership development and workplace culture, new strategies are reshaping the sector. But which initiatives are truly driving change, and where is improvement still needed?

• Recruitment Challenges: Attracting the next generation of workers through targeted outreach and industry promotion
• Training & Upskilling: Strengthening apprenticeship models and training programs to meet industry demands while enhancing workforce efficiency
• Sustainability Skills: With rising demand for sustainability expertise in construction, how can we upskill the existing workforce? Which training initiatives are most effective in bridging the gap and improving project performance?
• Retention Strategies: Enhancing job satisfaction, career growth opportunities, and workplace culture to improve employee retention and productivity
• Leadership & Mentorship: Technical expertise alone doesn’t make a great leader – mentorship and leadership programs are essential for developing effective, people-focused leaders who drive team performance

Panellists include:

James Andrews, Head of Human Resources & Industrial Relations, ACCIONA

Robert Sobyra, Executive Director ‑ Research & Planning, BuildSkills Australia

Matt Ahlberg, Leadership & Development Manager, The FKG Group

Jennifer Perkins, Director Learning & Teaching Electrical Trades, TAFE NSW

Facilitated by:

Angela Hucker, Chief Empowerment Officer, EPIC

The construction industry is rapidly evolving, with technology playing a key role in improving workforce efficiency, safety, and project delivery. From AI-powered recruitment to real-time workforce monitoring and digital training solutions, innovative technologies are reshaping how construction teams operate. In this session, you’ll hear three 5-minute mini presentations from cutting-edge companies that are revolutionizing workforce management. The speakers will then join a 25-minute tech innovation panel discussion to explore the impact of these solutions on the industry.

Talk 1: AI-Powered Recruitment—Finding and Retaining the Right Talent

Talk 2: Real-Time Workforce Monitoring & Site Safety Enhancements

Talk 3: Digital Training & Upskilling for the Future Workforce

Facilitated by: Shivendra Kumar, Managing Director and Principal Consultant, Shivendra & Co

Facilitated by:

Shivendra Kumar, Managing Director and Principal Consultant, Shivendra & Co

The construction industry faces high rates of mental health issues, with long hours, job insecurity, and high-pressure environments leading to stress, burnout, and alarming suicide rates. While awareness is growing, real change requires industry-wide commitment. This fireside chat will explore strategies to break the stigma, implement effective support programs, and foster a culture where mental health is prioritized as much as physical safety. Our speakers will share what’s working, what needs to change, and how leaders can drive meaningful progress.

• The current state of mental health in construction and why it’s a critical issue
• How long hours, job insecurity, and workplace culture contribute to stress and burnout
• The role of leadership in fostering a mentally healthy work environment
• Practical steps companies can take to support worker well-being and resilience

Rae Bonney, Workplace Mental Health, Safety & Wellbeing Specialist, Rae Bonney

Mike Hagan, WHS Expert, Mike Hagan Consulting Services

As construction projects grow in complexity and pressure, new safety challenges emerge. Fatigue, high-pressure environments, and physical strain drive injury rates, while evolving regulations and workforce expectations require a fresh approach to worker well-being. Strengthening subcontractor safety culture and adopting transparent safety reporting are key to raising industry standards. This panel will explore strategies to improve workplace safety, reduce injuries, and create healthier work environments. Industry leaders will discuss fatigue management, site safety innovations, subcontractor accountability, and leadership’s role in fostering transparency and care.

• Reducing Workplace Injuries: Practical steps to improve on-site safety and compliance
• Fatigue & High-Pressure Environments: Managing workloads to prevent burnout and accidents
• Evolving Safety Standards: How policies, regulations, and transparent reporting are shaping site safety
• Subcontractor Safety Culture: Encouraging accountability and alignment with company-wide safety initiatives
• Workforce Retention & Well-being: Why a safer, healthier workplace keeps workers in the industry

Panellists include:

Nicole Neal, General Manager Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, McConnell Dowell

Dan Humphries, Regional HSE Manager, Queensland, Multiplex

Kurt Warren, National Head of Safety, Hansen Yuncken

Melissa Pollock, General Manager, Health and Safety, Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure

Facilitated by:

Helen Lingard, Executive Director, SHINe – Safety and Health Innovation Network, RMIT University