Maddy Wood is constructing a career for herself in the field of building surveying, as the successful applicant for a position as assistant building surveyor at Latrobe City Council, funded by the Victorian Government’s Women Building Surveyors Program.
The government has committed $6.3 million to the program to create 40 positions for women looking to re-train as municipal building surveyors at councils, in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sector.
The program is aimed at improving the gender balance in the industry, filling a skills shortage and contributing to Victoria’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maddy will work with Latrobe City Council for two years while studying a Bachelor of Building Surveying through Victoria University.
“After working as an architectural draftsperson for three years, I’m excited about entering the surveying side of the industry and enjoying the variety of tasks that the work
offers,” she said.
“I’m a detail-orientated person and building surveying fits well with that part of my personality. There are so many aspects to look at and a variety of projects to
work on.”
Maddy has been working on report and consents (dealing with customers seeking to vary from the legislative siting requirements of
their building).
In months to come, she will also work on swimming pool and spa safety barrier compliance, and essential safety measures compliance (ensuring buildings comply with life and fire safety maintenance and the like).
