Women in Construction
People often ask how Helen Armstrong began her journey in the construction industry and what led her to become a leader in energy compliance. That curiosity inspired this blog.
Helen’s story starts in 1992, when she became the first female labourer and window tinter employed by G.James Glass & Aluminium. At just 17 years old, she stepped into a male-dominated trade determined to carve out her place and show that women belong in construction. That experience launched a 33-year career dedicated to breaking barriers, driving innovation, and championing the role of women in both construction and energy compliance.
Helen is a multi-award winner, recognised for her outstanding achievements in sustainable developments. Today, she continues to lead the way in the building industry, advocating for positive change in support of a sustainable building sector and delivering affordable housing to Queenslanders.
Breaking Barriers: Helen’s First Step into Construction with G.James Glass & Aluminium
In 1992, G.James Glass & Aluminium was more than just ahead of the game. The company was redefining the Australian building industry through a strong commitment to gender diversity and a people-first workplace culture. Their focus on safety, inclusion, and employee well-being set a new benchmark for construction companies nationwide.
That same year, Helen Armstrong began her career at G.James’s Eagle Farm facility in Brisbane. At just 17 years old, she entered a construction workplace where women were practically invisible, highlighting the lack of female representation in the building and glazing industry. For the next 15 years, Helen would not meet another woman working in construction, a reflection of broader industry trends at the time. If anyone was going to break glass ceilings for women in construction, it made sense to do it with a leader like G.James Glass & Aluminium.
With the launch of its innovative Safety and Security Division, focused on installing window films for solar control and safety, G.James showcased its leadership in both technology and workplace culture. Out of 60 candidates interviewed and trained over two days, only two were selected: a middle-aged gentleman and Helen Armstrong. For Helen, being chosen felt like winning the lottery and marked a rare opportunity to prove that, with the right mindset and support from an inclusive company, women can lead and excel in construction and energy compliance.
Solar Control Window Films: The Early Days of Energy Efficiency
In the early 1990s, energy efficiency in commercial buildings was just starting to gain traction in Australia. As part of the G.James Glass & Aluminium team, Helen Armstrong was hands-on with the installation of retrofit solar control window films. Working on these projects gave Helen firsthand experience with the benefits of energy-efficient solutions—improving building comfort, reducing solar heat gain, boosting air conditioning efficiency, lowering maintenance costs, and providing valuable daytime privacy.
Seeing the positive impact of these installations on Queensland’s commercial buildings sparked Helen’s passion for energy efficiency. Even though energy was relatively inexpensive at the time, Helen quickly recognised that solar control window films made a real difference, especially in creating comfortable and productive work environments for staff and customers in the harsh Queensland climate.
This early exposure not only taught Helen the technical side of window film installation, but also inspired her lifelong interest in sustainable building practices and the pursuit of practical solutions that support both people and the environment. It was these early days with G.James that set Helen on the path to becoming a recognised leader in energy compliance and sustainability in the building industry.
Safety and Security Films: Why They Were Essential in the 1990s
In the 1990s, the global construction industry faced a significant safety challenge: spontaneous glass breakage caused by nickel sulfide (NiS) inclusions in tempered glass. These microscopic inclusions, formed during glass manufacturing, could cause panes to shatter unexpectedly, sending thousands of blunt-edged fragments falling and creating a major public safety risk—especially from high-rise buildings. This was a widespread issue affecting the building industry worldwide.
While construction experts searched for solutions, Helen Armstrong was on the ground with G.James Glass & Aluminium in Queensland, helping lead the way in safety innovation. G.James became a pioneer in the use of safety and security films, launching a specialised division to install tear-resistant films on existing glazing and set a new standard for tempered glass safety in Australia.
Helen’s hands-on work installing these safety and security films made a real difference, reducing injury risks and improving public safety in commercial and residential buildings. Her commitment to quality and her leadership as a woman in construction helped shape safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities across Queensland. Through her work, Helen Armstrong continues to demonstrate a deep passion for public safety, community resilience, and inclusion in the Australian building industry.
The Ripple of One Opportunity
Little did Helen realise that one early opportunity with G.James Glass & Aluminium would shape a lifelong commitment to the building industry. She built a career in energy compliance defined by courage, persistence, clarity, and a deep respect for both the sustainability of the sector and the communities it serves.
She continues to support and develop training for builders, certifiers, architects, designers, and their clients. Energy compliance is considered to be one of the most complex, difficult, and misunderstood parts of today’s building code. Helen brings clarity where others are unsure, consistency where the rules have shifted, and confidence to projects that need it most.
Her influence runs deep. From being one of the early women on the tools to becoming a respected voice in energy compliance, she has helped raise the standard. Her leadership is grounded in action, built on trust, and driven by purpose.
Join the Movement.
You’re invited to share and connect with inspiring women and those carving out successful careers in the construction industry.
Pathways and Support for Women in Construction and Trades
If you’re a young lady, a woman, a mother, a sister, an auntie or a grandmother and you’re thinking about a career in the building industry, looking for mentorship, or wanting to grow your network, the following associations offer genuine support, connection and opportunity.
