At Symal, we’re passionate about championing women to not only join the industry but to become leaders in construction. To support this mission, we’re proudly sponsoring the upcoming NAWIC Awards for Excellence which seeks out, recognises and celebrates the women who are taking the industry by storm. NAWIC is a passionate body set up to represent and empower women in construction and serves to shift the perception and understanding of what our industry can offer.

We work amongst greatness every day at Symal, so we’ve nominated three of our very own superstars for the 2020 awards who deserve the light shined on them.

Olivia Bartolo – nominated for Downer Group Businesswomen of the Year Award 2020
Having worked in this industry for the last 20-something years, Olivia Bartolo is determined to make a difference. What drives Olivia is helping to develop strong leaders and see women succeed in roles they never thought possible.

Olivia has developed a chain of events to reach the younger generation and bridge the gap of knowledge between our industry and schools. She’s been at the forefront driving us to invest in the training and development of Symal’s workforce and our next generation. One of the many initiatives Olivia developed was the launch of the Spark program at Symal that offers students work experience and hopefully, helps to break down the barriers to choosing a career in this exciting industry.

She’s dedicated to making an impact launching, and implementing new policies, projects, and programs within the business which will build a stronger, more inclusive industry in years to come.

“I know we still have a way to go with increasing the participation of women in this industry and more importantly, educating women about the many career pathways available in construction along with leadership opportunities they can pursue. Seeing one of our female labourers progress to a supervisor level and young women being trained to become machine operators, are some of the proudest moments of my career.” says Olivia.

Holly Sanders – nominated for Symal Emerging Leader Award 2020
Holly is a gun; since beginning her career in 2010 performing residential earthquake repairs in Christchurch, she now leads huge construction works as Senior Project Engineer, shifting the perception of career possibilities in construction for women.

Leading by example, her ability to positively change group dynamics and behaviour has led to better project outcomes and earned her the promotion to Senior Project Engineer working on major infrastructure projects like the Toll Redevelopment Project.

It’s women like Holly who are changing the face of engineering.

Courtney Brighton – nominated for Acciona Australia Student Award 2020
Courtney is the reason why Symal learning programs are so important. During her one-year placement as an undergrad in Symal’s Charge program, Courtney has gained hands-on experience working on two major projects whilst completing her engineering degree. Adapting to the dynamic nature of one of our largest operational construction sites at Chisholm Road Prison, Courtney has excelled, with high attention to detail and a reluctance to settle for anything other than the highest standards in quality and safety. We’re proud of you Courtney!

We wish all the nominees well this Friday night when the winners will be announced at the NAWIC VIC Awards ceremony.

Stay tuned to hear more about the awards night next week.