Linn Batey and the Role of Women in the Construction Industry

This year our very own Linn Batey was awarded the Sunshine Coast Regional Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Sunshine Coast Housing and Construction Awards held on 18 October 2023. While we all knew she isn’t just an amazing asset to our own company but to the building and construction industry in general, we were incredibly proud to see her recognised for her contributions. And while we and the judges know all about her qualifications, experience and industry contributions, many of our clients and potential clients may not be quite as familiar. We decided to sit down for a chat with Linn to talk about her achievements and her take on women and the construction industry.

A bit of background information

Linn’s passion for the building and construction industry started fifteen years ago when she entered the industry as an Accounts Administrator for an insurance repairs builder. From there she worked her way up the ranks before being offered a new position at a new homes builder. Then six years ago, she joined her parent’s existing small renovations business, where they shared a small home office. Fast forward six years, and Nyblad Construction is now a small company with over 10 employees, its own purpose-built premises, a trusted network of sub-contractors and a stellar reputation for quality renovations on the Sunshine Coast.

Throughout that time, Linn has been involved in Women in Building Australia’s mentorship program where she’s helped other women navigate their way through the building and construction industry. She’s also a member of various building and construction groups and associations and recently joined the Master Builders Industry Champions initiative which aims to attract and keep workers in the industry. And if that’s not enough, Linn has also obtained her Site Supervisor Licence – Medium Rise and is working towards getting her Builders Licence – Medium Rise. She’s also obtained a Bachelor of Business, Diploma in Building and Construction, Diploma in Estimating and a Diploma in Project Management.

As well as taking out the Sunshine Coast title of Women in Building, Linn is now automatically in the running for the Master Builders Queensland Housing and Construction Awards for the Women in Building Queensland category, being held in October 2023.

She’s also been announced as a finalist in three different categories at the AWIC (Awesome Women in Construction) Awards – Professional of the Year, Outstanding Woman in Trade and Exceptional Small Business Manager – also being held in October this year.

Linn, you’ve been in the industry for over 15 years, what are some of the challenges you have faced as a woman in the construction industry?

I have often been overlooked and underestimated when attending meetings with prospective clients or suppliers where questions or instructions have been directed to the male members of our team that have been at the meeting with me. They often just assume that as the woman in the company, I am there as an assistant.

How do you overcome these types of challenges?

This can be a challenge but sometimes it can be used to your advantage too. But mostly I answer any questions based on my knowledge and I’m not afraid to speak up. Everyone in the industry is constantly learning – whether you’re male or female – because the industry is constantly changing. Knowledge is power so I try to stay up to date with any changes by regularly attending industry information sessions and training. I also communicate with our trade team and ask them questions if there is something I need to get a better understanding of.

What advice would you give other women who are considering a career in construction?

Don’t be afraid to speak up and to ask questions. Even working in the office you learn a lot about building processes but sometimes you will have to ask your trade team for clarification – and that’s ok. Not being on site can sometimes help you problem-solve a situation as long as you have an overall understanding of the process – and by not being onsite you can evaluate the problem from another angle so to speak, and come up with a solution that someone onsite might not have considered.

Feeling and being confident definitely helps! But this comes from experience and from listening to your team and learning from them. It comes from learning about the industry and legislation and working within different areas of construction – being a renovator is quite different to building new homes which some people don’t always realise!

I would also say that you have to love problem solving to be in this industry.

What are you thoughts on the progress that has been made in terms of gender equality in the construction industry?

It’s been relatively slow but there is a great movement at the moment with more and more industry groups specifically for women and supporters of women holding networking events, awards and other initiatives to help women in the industry connect, learn from each other and to recognise our achievements. These are great for encouraging the younger generation to enter the industry – whether that be in a trade capacity or in an office-base role.

So what are some of the things that still need to be done to achieve gender equality in the construction industry?

I think we need more information and education to introduce women to the industry and show greater recognition for the female supervisors, estimators and builders out there. And some sort of onsite training for office based staff that are moving up into managerial roles who know the legislation and requirement but might need some site experience.

So, you were awarded the Women in Building award for the Sunshine Coast region, what are your goals for the future?

This is an exciting time for me and the Nyblad Construction team. This is the first year that Sanna, Callum and myself are taking control of the company as Kenth steps away from the every-day running of the business. We’re really focusing on growing the company, the team and taking on bigger projects. It’s a tumultuous time for the industry, and has been for a few years now, but we’re working hard on improving and adapting our processes to get a better result for our clients, our team and for the company. For myself, I want to continue to mentor other women entering the industry and continue to highlight the importance of women in the industry and how rewarding a career in construction can be.