Through school visits, workshops and hands-on experiences, NexGen is closing the reality gap between what young Australians think construction is and what it can be.
By Lauren Fahey, executive director at NexGen.
When I go out into schools and ask a group of teenagers what comes to mind when they hear the word construction, the answers are almost always the same: “hard work”, “dirty”, “men”. Not one of them says opportunity.
That’s the problem. Gen Z isn’t disinterested in construction; they’re disillusioned by what they think it is. They’ve been shown the concrete, not the creativity; the hierarchy, not the humanity. When the image doesn’t match their values (purpose, inclusion and progress), they tune out.
Over the past two years, our ambassadors and I at NexGen have spoken to more than 20,000 students and job seekers. When I ask what happens on a construction site, most picture men in high-vis shouting over heavy machinery (which is a reality). Few realise that construction is also about design, sustainability, digital technology, project management and problem-solving on a national scale.
This is what I call ‘the reality gap’ – what students think construction is versus what it actually offers.
We have the opportunity to be one of the most innovative, future-driven industries in Australia, but our image hasn’t evolved. Too often, school outreach still relies on the same tired construction visuals – the hard hat and crane poster – instead of purpose and possibility.
Gen Z wants meaning. They want to know the “why” before the “what”. They care about sustainability, diversity and working for organisations that do good, not just do business. If we want them, we need to show them that construction isn’t just about building things but about building better lives. We’re shaping cities, improving communities and creating a sustainable future. But we need to say it out loud and say it often.
Right now, too much of our language still centres on “skills shortages” and “filling roles”. Young people respond to vision, not desperation.
I see it constantly: students walk out of our NexGen sessions buzzing with enthusiasm, then go home and hear from a parent, teacher or career advisor that construction is tough, unstable or “not for girls”. By the time they reach a job site, some of that spark has gone.
When they do get there, too often the site culture doesn’t reflect the inclusive, forward-thinking image we promised. The gap between what we preach in schools and what we practise on site is where we lose them.
If we’re serious about change, we have to make sure our worksites, leaders and systems live up to the story we’re selling.
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What needs to change
Rebrand the industry. We need a new narrative that highlights creativity, innovation and impact. Construction is an ecosystem of thinkers, designers and makers, not just tradies and trucks.
Educate the educators. Teachers, parents and career advisors hold the power of perception. If they don’t understand the opportunities, young people won’t either.
Create sites that reflect our message. Flexible hours, respect, inclusion – these are not just buzzwords; they’re recruitment and retention strategies.
Invest early, not occasionally. A one-off school visit doesn’t cut it. We need consistent engagement, mentoring and supported pathways that show students the full journey.
The way forward
At NexGen, we’ve measured a seven per cent increase in female students who say they would now consider a career in construction after our sessions. That’s not because we sell them a dream; it’s because we show them truth and possibility.
The next generation isn’t rejecting construction. They’re rejecting outdated narratives, exclusion and instability. If we want them in, we have to make room for who they are – curious, creative and ambitious.
When young people can finally see themselves in this industry, that’s when the real building begins.
But we can’t do it alone. We need the industry’s help to continue this mission – to show up in schools, open site gates and build visible pathways that spark pride and purpose. If you believe in creating a construction industry that reflects Australia’s future, not its past, become a NexGen Partner and help us inspire, educate and empower the next generation.