Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the nature of work, altering the tasks people perform and the skills they need. As jobs evolve, the ability to move between roles or even industries may become increasingly important. For women, the challenge of adapting to these changes may be especially pronounced. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, women are more likely than men to be affected by automation and AI due to the types of industries and roles they typically occupy. While this doesn't mean jobs will vanish, it does suggest that AI will change how work is done. As a result, many workers will need to acquire new skills or transition into different roles or industries. Much of the current conversation focuses on the need for workers to reskill and adapt, but there's another side to this story: employers may also need to become more flexible in how they value experience and skills. In the construction industry, for example, women who have transitioned from unrelated fields like healthcare, education, or finance have brought a wide range of transferable skills, such as communication, management, and coordination. These skills, developed over years in other industries, can be just as valuable in construction as traditional industry-specific knowledge. Research involving 655 women working in Australian construction companies found that many of these career changers had successfully entered the field, often through personal networks rather than formal hiring processes. One woman who moved from engineering consulting to construction said, "I do have a lot of experience, and I do have a lot of relevant skills that I think I bring to the table too." However, the challenge lies in getting employers to recognize these skills and experience, even when they are clearly relevant. The construction industry is currently facing a significant labor shortage, with around 20,000 jobs unfilled. Women make up only 13% of the industry's workforce, despite the potential for their increased participation to help close this gap. BuildSkills Australia estimates that increasing women's involvement in residential construction could add 51,000 workers by 2029, reducing the projected workforce shortage by nearly half. However, many career changers struggle to find entry points into the industry, often relying on informal networks instead of traditional recruitment methods. One woman explained that without these personal connections, she would have found it difficult to even begin the process, fearing her background wouldn't align with industry expectations. This highlights a broader issue: employers may not be fully utilizing the skills and experience of career changers. While some roles in construction require specialized training, others—like administration, safety, or environmental work—can benefit from transferable skills gained in other industries. Hiring managers acknowledged that the challenge isn't always with the candidates, but with the industry's ability to create roles that match the diverse skill sets of career changers. As AI continues to reshape the job market, both workers and employers must become more adaptable. Workers need to be open to change, but employers also need to recognize that skills can come from a variety of backgrounds. The future of work may depend on both sides being willing to adapt.