New research has found that most females who are offered enrolment in construction degrees have been to all-girls high schools.

The research also found when school girls think about the construction industry, many think of lollipop traffic controller signs and brick laying, despite the industry offering careers in engineering, surveying, architecture and design.

Elizabeth Lau works in the construction industry for building company Lendlease. Credit:Louise Kennerley

The research from the University of Technology (UTS) for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to be released on Thursday found students from both all-girls government and non-government schools were more likely to be offered enrolment in Construction Project Management university degrees.

UTS senior research fellow Phillippa Carnemolla's study on girls' perceptions of the construction industry found some were concerned that girls on construction sites held lollipop signs to control traffic. They also thought there were not many females working at a high level.