Despite being qualified to operate a range of heavy equipment and having almost two decades of experience, when Samantha Fratus walks on to a site, builders are often surprised by what they see.

The slight-framed, 36-year-old — who goes by “Sam” instead of “Samantha” when applying for jobs — stands out in the male-dominated construction industry. 

However, once she’s settled onto an excavator, directional drill or forklift, she’s right at home. 

“You name it. Put me on it. I’ll operate it,” she said. 

In fact, she’s so comfortable with her role in civil construction that she often encourages other women to join the sector, calling up girlfriends to see if they can fill in when an extra body is needed on site. 

As she sees it, the construction sector offers plenty of work and pays well. 

However, despite a skills shortage in construction right across Australia, the number of women on the tools has remained low. 

University of Melbourne Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning’s Natalie Galea said the industry’s hyper masculinity was only part of the problem. 

The 50-to-80-hour work week was also a big factor. 

“It very much assumes the person [who’s] doing the work has no care responsibilities or has someone doing those care responsibilities for them,” she said. 

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