Building Her Way To The Top Celebrating Amanda Wilson

Amanda Wilson, Residential Manager at Fergus Builders, has been recognised with the Women in Building Award following 14 years in the construction industry. Photo supplied

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In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Amanda Wilson has spent the past 14 years proving there is no limit to where knowledge, determination and a willingness to learn can take you.

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Now Residential Manager at Fergus Builders, Amanda has risen through the industry while becoming an advocate and mentor for other women in construction, with her achievements recently recognised with the Women in Building Award.

“Being a female in this industry can feel isolating. Especially if you are relatively new and don’t understand all the building jargon or the construction process,” Amanda said.

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“But it’s not something you can learn overnight, it takes time. Women have a really important role to play in this industry and it’s no longer confined to office work.”

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Amanda joined Fergus Builders in 2018 in a sales and estimating role, bringing six years of previous industry experience. Over the years, her responsibilities have grown greatly alongside her knowledge of construction, leading to her appointment as Residential Manager in 2024.  

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“I began working for Fergus in a sales/estimating capacity in 2018, and over the years I’ve learnt so much more about on-site construction and project management,” she said.

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“Having a comprehensive understanding of how design, pricing and construction on site are intertwined with each other has been essential to heading the division.”

Determined to keep progressing, Amanda began studying a Bachelor of Construction Management two years ago while working full-time and is now also working towards becoming a qualified site supervisor and obtaining her QBCC licence.

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“The more I learn, the bigger role I can play, the more job satisfaction I feel.”

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Amanda’s innate drive has extended well beyond her own career, with her passion for the industry reflected in the support and mentorship she provides to new residential office staff at Fergus Builders, alongside initiatives designed to give female employees greater exposure to the practical side of construction. Additionally, in 2025, Amanda became a mentor through Master Builders’ Emerging Women in Construction program and has continued in the role this year.  

“Women offer a valuable perspective in construction and tackle problems differently, sometimes more efficiently, more methodical,” Amanda said.

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“It can be daunting, but it can be such a rewarding career path, so I would encourage women to take that leap of faith if they are interested in it.”

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Amanda’s own contribution to the industry was recognised with the Women in Building Award, an achievement Amanda described as an honour after looking up to previous recipients throughout her career.

“I have looked up to the women who’ve received this award over the years and aspired to make a difference in this industry, so it was an honour to receive this award,” she said.

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Despite having already contributed to more than 250 projects throughout her career, Amanda sees plenty still ahead, with part of that future focused on creating opportunities for other women to forge their own paths in construction.

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“Personally, I feel like I’m just getting started in this industry,” she said.

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“I want to break through the glass ceiling of what women have traditionally achieved in the construction field and help pave the way for the women behind me to achieve great things in this career path.”

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