“I’m excited to see all the females coming up out of school and having the chance to take up a trade.” – Jess
“If you hear it or see it you’ve got to call it out.” – Harley
“Having even one girl in the crew adds to the dynamic (and) I’d love to see two or three which would be pretty cool.” – Jaslyn
Following the national launch, the Queensland event showcased how local leaders, employers, unions, training providers, and government are taking ownership of the program’s goals. With major infrastructure projects, housing demand, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, the state is projected to face a shortfall of approximately 50,000 construction workers by 2026–27, including over 8,000 plumbers.
Building Futures: Breaking Barriers is a key initiative to address these gaps while reshaping workplace culture. The Queensland launch brought together a broad cross-section of the state’s plumbing, pipe trades, and fire protection industries, including employers, unions, training providers, and government representatives. The event highlighted local leadership and innovation, featuring inspiring stories from apprentices, employers, and training providers who are already breaking barriers in the industry.
Partners such as Master Plumbers Queensland, alongside key training organisations and industry employers, demonstrated how collaboration across the state can drive meaningful change, creating workplaces that are safe, inclusive, and attractive to the next generation of plumbers and tradespeople.