Building the Future of Property: Supporting the Next Generation
At CAST Recruitment, we believe the long term success of the property industry depends on one critical factor: people. More specifically, it depends on our ability to attract, nurture, and retain the next generation of talent. As the industry continues to evolve driven by technology, sustainability, and changing market dynamics, it has never been more important to ensure that young people see property not only as a viable career path, but as an exciting and rewarding one.
This commitment was front of mind when our Directors, Ryan Taylor and Jessica Platt, were invited to participate in the Property Council of Australia’s WA Girls in Property Program at Curtin University. It was an opportunity we were genuinely proud to be part of - one that reflects our passion for shaping the future of the industry.
Why Younger Talent Matters
Like many industries, property faces a challenge when it comes to attracting younger professionals. There are often misconceptions about what a career in property actually looks like, with many students unaware of the diverse opportunities available, from development and project management to asset management, advisory, and recruitment.
At the same time, demographic shifts mean that experienced professionals will eventually transition out of the workforce, leaving a critical need for fresh talent to step into those roles. Bringing younger people into the industry isn’t just important, it’s essential for maintaining innovation, continuity, and growth.
Beyond that, younger professionals bring new perspectives. They challenge traditional thinking, embrace change, and often have a strong focus on purpose driven careers. The property sector, which sits at the intersection of community, infrastructure, and economic development, is uniquely positioned to offer all of this if we can effectively tell that story.
The Importance of Representation and Inclusion
One of the most powerful aspects of initiatives like the Girls in Property Program is their focus on inclusion. Historically, property has been a male dominated industry, but that is changing and rightly so. Increasing the participation of women and underrepresented groups is not just about fairness; it’s about strengthening the industry as a whole.
Diverse teams consistently outperform more homogenous ones. They bring broader perspectives, better decision making, and improved outcomes for clients and communities. Encouraging more young women to consider property careers is a key step in building that diversity.
Programs like this help break down barriers by providing students with direct access to industry professionals, real world insights, and relatable role models. Seeing someone who has built a successful career in property can make all the difference in helping a young person believe, “That could be me.”
A Meaningful Morning at Curtin University
The Girls in Property Program brought together around 80 students from several Western Australian high schools for a morning of mentoring, career insights, and an interactive Q&A session.
For Ryan and Jessica, it was a chance to share their own journeys into the industry. How they got started, the challenges they’ve faced, and what they love about working in property today. Importantly, the session was not just about speaking to students, but engaging with them.
Students asked thoughtful questions about career pathways, workplace culture, and what day-to-day life in the industry actually looks like. They also asked about money as you would expect. There was genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, which is exactly what initiatives like this aim to spark.
Moments like these reinforce why early engagement matters so much. When students are exposed to the breadth of opportunities available, they start to see property not as a narrow or traditional field, but as a dynamic and evolving industry with space for a wide range of skills and interests.
Our Commitment as a Business
At Cast Recruitment, connecting talent with opportunity is what we do, but our responsibility goes beyond simply filling roles. We are deeply invested in supporting the growth and sustainability of the industry itself.
That means:
Promoting property as a compelling career option for young people
Supporting initiatives that improve diversity and inclusion
Partnering with organisations like the Property Council of Australia
Sharing knowledge and mentoring wherever possible
By supporting and connecting the next generation of professionals, we’re contributing to a more diverse, innovative, and resilient property industry.