A partnership between toy and construction companies doesn’t really make sense for most, but one between Lego and Multiplex is a match made in heaven.

The two construction entities have joined forces to power the Unstoppable Academy, a mentorship program that will empower young women to break stereotypes and make a long-lasting impact on the construction industry.

Just 13 percent of the construction and building industry identify as female, and at a time where skilled labourers are desperately needed, the Academy will encourage, educate and empower women to take up the opportunities available within the industry.

Those statistics formed part of the thinking behind Unstoppable Academy, as did the release of the 2024 Play Well Study, which found that over 75 percent of girls between the ages of five and 12 feel the pressure of perfection and are worried about judgement from others in regards to creating ideas.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Multiplex for the Unstoppable Academy and empower girls across Australia and New Zealand to unleash their creative potential," says Lego Australia’s Head of Marketing Justine McKenny.

"By bringing together industry leaders and young minds, we aim to challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and inspire the next generation of female innovators and creators, unlocked by the power of LEGO play."

Multiplex has already begun mentoring a number of young girls with a passion for construction, including 10-year-old Queeness Gutierrez (pictured left). Mentored by Multiplex Design Manager Natalie Haydon (pictured right), Gutierrez will be taken to job sites for site walks and tours and given insights into some of the world’s most iconic buildings, as well as meeting with a number of inspirational female leads in the industry.

"We are very proud to be supporting the Unstoppable Academy and its mission to empower girls through creativity, as an extension of our current Jump Start program,” Haydon says.

“Together with LEGO Australia, we are thrilled to be offering young girls a supportive and inclusive environment that will equip them with the capability and confidence to pursue their passions and explore their limitless potential.

“We know we need to change the narrative around women in construction and show girls what a rewarding career they can have in our industry. We hope Queeness’ experience will inspire girls and their influencers to view construction as an opportunity to cultivate creativity and collaboration.”

The Academy builds on the Jump Start Juniors Multiplex and Lego Australia Schools program, which commenced in 2023 across primary schools in New South Wales, which aim to spark an early interest in construction and change perceptions around women in construction by reframing biases and addressing perceived barriers. Both Multiplex and Lego plan to expand the program nationally in 2025.