Young women like Alicia Pera and Winnie Wilson are reshaping the future of engineering, bringing fresh perspectives, hands-on experience, and a commitment to inclusivity to Australia’s infrastructure sector.
In the evolving world of infrastructure and construction, fresh voices are rising from young women who are finding confidence in themselves and stepping into engineering roles.
For Alicia Pera and Winnie Wilson, two driven undergraduates working with Seymour Whyte, their early careers offer a glimpse into a more inclusive and dynamic future for the civil construction industry.
Both Pera and Wilson found their way into engineering through a shared love of maths, science, and problem-solving. But it’s the hands-on experience they’ve gained through the Seymour Whyte undergraduate program which has truly shaped their career outlooks.
The program
The two are both currently working on the Clyde Road Upgrade Project, a significant Big Build Roads infrastructure project slated for completion in 2027, with Seymour Whyte acting as the delivery partner for the project.
Pera, now in the final stages of a double degree in architecture and civil engineering, began her initial placement with Seymour Whyte with a 12-week introduction, and has since evolved into a flexible undergraduate role that complements her studies.
“Working on site is completely different from university,” she says.
“Our coursework is mostly theoretical, so being on a project where I’m doing quality assurance, site inspections, procurement and hazard identification has been a massive learning curve.”
Wilson, in her first year of study, echoes that sentiment.
Since laying her career foundations with Seymour Whyte straight out of high school, she’s already had exposure to environmental engineering and a variety of site tasks.
“University teaches you basics like equations and theory, being onsite is where you learn how those things actually apply to a day-to-day job,” she says.
“It’s helped me understand how to prioritise tasks, manage time, and communicate effectively. That kind of growth is hard to replicate in a classroom.”
For both women, entering a traditionally male-dominated field wasn’t without its hesitations.
Pera admits she initially felt anxious about fitting into the construction site culture.
“There’s still a stigma around women in construction,” she says. “It is a primarily male dominated field, but from day one, everyone on the team has been welcoming.”
She has felt right at home with the work and admits that she had to overcome some personal anxieties and confidence issues on the job.
Her experience highlights a crucial, often overlooked skillset in engineering: interpersonal communication.
“This type of role requires you to speak to everyone onsite, manage relationships, and resolve challenges on the fly,” she says. “Each day my confidence has increased, and I have learnt more than I could have hoped. It’s not just about technical knowledge. You have to be adaptable and collaborative, it’s a people-driven job.”
One of the most significant influences on Pera’s confidence came from seeing women in leadership roles on site. “My construction manager is a woman, and that was a huge motivator for me right off the bat,” she says.
“It made me think ‘that could be me’ one day. Seeing women in charge reshapes what you think is possible.”
Wilson’s experience has been shaped by early encouragement, both at school and through her family.
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“My school was really supportive of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and always framed everything as a possibility,” she recalls.
“I also have a family member who is a chemical engineer for South East Water. She has worked all over the world and has even spoken at the United Nations, so obviously she has been a huge inspiration to me.”
For Wilson, increasing the visibility of women in engineering is key to changing perceptions.
“Everyone brings different ideas and passions to the table,” she says. “More diversity means better problem-solving and stronger teams.
“Young girls need to see that this path is not only possible but rewarding. Seeing other women in fields like these could inspire young girls in high school to focus on engineering and remove the hesitation of picking a career path.”
Both agree that celebrating women in engineering is about creating a workforce that reflects the real world.
“We need to empower women who might be unsure about entering the field,” says Pera.
“If we show them that support exists, and that we’re out here doing it, we’ll help to build a more inclusive future.”
The future is bright
Looking ahead, both engineers are ambitious and hopeful.
Pera wants to continue building her skills across different types of projects, from bridges and roads to buildings and dams, with her long-term goal of becoming a project engineer.
“I want to keep learning and expand beyond just one type of project,” she says. “At university they would often tell us we’ll end up as designers in consultancy, but there’s so much more to explore in construction.
“If other young girls are hearing a similar narrative, I think it’s important to spotlight construction in engineering fields.”
Wilson is leaning toward environmental engineering and hopes to continue working with Seymour Whyte on large-scale projects.
“There are some amazing opportunities ahead, and I’d love to take on more responsibility over time,” she says.
Seymour Whyte’s growth extends beyond traditional road and bridge projects. With new opportunities emerging across the water, energy, rail, and defence sectors, the company is building diverse career pathways for young engineers eager to make an impact across Australia’s infrastructure landscape.
“At Seymour Whyte, every undergraduate placement is an investment in the future of our industry,” says Courtney Hoops, General Manager of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania for Seymour Whyte.
“As part of the global VINCI group of companies in construction, energies and concessions, our people can access international career opportunities in over 120 countries and even become shareholders. For students and parents alike, it’s an exciting launchpad for a safe, rewarding, and world-class career in engineering.”
This article was originally published in the November edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
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