The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) writes on the importance of attracting, training and retaining skilled individuals in the pavements space. The flexible pavement industry is the backbone of modern infrastructure, delivering the roads and transport networks that keep communities connected and economies moving. But like many traditional sectors, it faces a growing challenge – a shortage of skilled workers to meet increasing demand. Addressing this skills gap requires more than just attracting more workers; it calls for a deliberate focus on building capability through inclusion and diversity.
Diversity is not just a social responsibility – it is a strategic enabler that drives innovation, productivity, and long-term sustainability. By broadening the talent pool and creating equitable pathways into the industry, we can strengthen the sector’s ability to meet both current and future infrastructure needs.
While women, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and people living with disabilities remain under-represented in the flexible pavement industry, this is not unique. Many sectors – from teaching to nursing – show clear gender or demographic imbalances. What matters most in our industry is ensuring equity of opportunity and proactively tapping into underutilised talent pools to meet the clear and growing demand for skills.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to start early. Promoting careers in construction, engineering, and road maintenance to high school students – particularly young women and students from multicultural and regional backgrounds – can change perceptions and spark interest in career pathways that many may never have considered.
Building industry capability
AfPA (Australian Flexible Pavement Association) has recently partnered with Building Women, a South Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to increasing female participation in construction, to deliver an entry-level, hands-on training program. This initiative provides participants with the practical experience they need to build a sustainable and purposeful career.
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AfPA’s members and the wider industry can actively engage with program participants by offering site tours, mentoring, and work experience opportunities upon completion. The program also includes career coaching, wellbeing sessions, and peer support – vital tools to help participants navigate a non-traditional industry, overcome barriers such as isolation, and progress in their careers.
The role of workplace culture
Attracting diverse talent is only part of the solution – retaining it is equally important. A strong workplace culture that values inclusion is essential for long-term success.
This includes leadership commitment to equity and inclusion, reviewing recruitment practices to reduce unconscious bias, offering flexible work arrangements, implementing zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging collaboration and respect across all teams.
Diversity also means embracing the unique perspectives people bring. For example, First Nations communities hold deep knowledge of the land and its maintenance. Involving them in planning and delivery – especially in regional and remote projects – can improve project outcomes, enhance cultural respect, and support local economic resilience.
By actively investing in capability through inclusion and diversity, the pavement industry can build teams that reflect the communities they serve. This will not only help meet the immediate demand for skilled workers but also create a more innovative, resilient, and equitable industry – ready to meet
the infrastructure challenges of the future.
This article was originally published in the September edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
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