Timber iQ August- September 2018 // Issue: 39 | Page 48

FEATURES
Continued from page 44
opportunities for diversity , growth and advancement of the industry and its players ,” says Rees .
She adds , “ I am aware of a number of programmes in the construction sector , both formal and informal , that aim to give previously disadvantaged youth a leg up into the industry ; some even aim to produce self-sufficient entrepreneurs through learnership programmes , who will then return to their communities to start their own businesses and share their knowledge and skills . As the saying goes , ‘ A closed hand cannot receive ’. I believe being open to transformation is being open to opportunity .”
The time is ripe for women who are already in the sector to influence its current reputation as a male-dominated sphere , drive the gender equality and equal pay agenda and transform the sector into one that is accessible to all who not only want in , but are prepared to work for it , advises Rees .
“ Greater representation of women in the sector is not only a priority for the demographical change we seek , but an essential component of bringing different perspectives to the industry ; diverse views and experiences are key factors in breaking down ‘ group think ’ and encourage much-needed innovation .
“ New and successive generations entering the workforce that intrinsically value gender equality on all fronts , are sensitive to privilege and the converse , and do not view career choice as contingent upon one ’ s gender , will embody and drive transformation for a better , more diverse and equal industry ,” she says .
Rees believes that school learning , training and learnerships are essential to the transformation process in the sector .
“ Parents and guardians , hand in hand with primary and secondary schools , have an obligation to their children to identify and hone talents and skills at an early age , and to guide them towards training , apprenticeships , learnership programmes or formal studies that are the best fit for them . We live in a society that is becoming increasingly blinkered to the value of tertiary education that is not offered by a university , which can make vocational training seem like a lesser alternative , or simply not even a worthwhile option .
“ South African colleges have a number of excellent vocational training avenues which need to be heavily promoted as viable and sound pathways to access self-fulfilment and real economic mobility . Players in the public and private spheres of the sector should prioritise learnerships and apprenticeships and take good care of the reputation of the industries they will leave to future generations .”
STEPHANIE DYER JENNIFER REES
Stephanie Dyer , industry expert and founder of Timber Information Services .
Jennifer Rees , director of Haas & DAS Communications . See more on page 48
46 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018 //