Perth firm drives industry bid to recruit more women

As a leader in delivering complex projects through precision modelling and steelwork detailing, Multiplan believes women can help provide the home-grown talent needed to meet rising demand for the latest 3D modelling technology.

Not only does Multiplan Managing Director Kane Nitschke want drafting to make a comeback in schools as a cool career choice for both girls and boys, but he also wants to see more opportunities in his industry for women looking to retrain or re-enter the workforce.

“Construction modelling has traditionally been a male-dominated industry and let’s be honest, it’s sometimes perceived as being a bit old-fashioned, even though construction modellers are in high demand,” Mr Nitschke said.

“Now is the perfect time for change.”

Multiplan is leading by example. Not only has it launched its national Women in Steel campaign, but also two of its four most recent trainees are women.

For Iranian-born Faren Khani, training as a construction modeller is an opportunity to build on her skills and experience as a qualified survey engineer.

Ms Khani moved to Perth two years ago with her husband Mohammad Kazemi, who is studying for his Masters degree in engineering. The couple met as classmates studying engineering in Iran.

“I am familiar with the field of construction, but construction modelling opens up exciting opportunities to learn new skills,” Ms Khani said.

“I like the idea that as a construction modeller you are creating something new.”

Ms Khani is planning to complete a Diploma of Engineering as part of her traineeship.

Multiplan isn’t alone in wanting to see more diversity in the construction modelling industry. The company’s aims are perfectly aligned with WA’s Plan for Gender Equality released in January 2021 by the WA State Government.

Mr Nitschke said creating more opportunities for women to enter the industry was both timely and necessary given the ever-growing reliance on detailed 3D construction models.

“As we lose highly experienced modellers and checkers to retirement, the sustainability of our industry relies on attracting the next generation of construction modellers looking for a career in the industry,” Mr Nitschke said.

Multiplan’s well-established traineeship and work experience programs launch trainee construction modellers on a rewarding career path.

The company is also spearheading a plan to establish a new pathway for employment within the steel detailing industry.

“There has been significant growth in construction and infrastructure in Australia, creating a growing need for construction modellers who can convert engineering design models into complex detail models and fabrication drawings using the latest technology,” Mr Nitschke said.

“As we know, excellence in steel detailing is paramount, helping projects proceed on budget and on time.”

Australian construction industry revenue is at $395.1bn, with structural steel fabrication revenue at $6.3bn and demand for structural steel erection services expected to increase through to 2026.