Women encouraged to experience infrastructure industry
Wellington, 2 June 2015: Women around the country will be donning high-vis jackets in June to try their hand at jobs
that are traditionally more popular with men.
Companies in the power, roading and telecommunications industries are inviting sisters, daughters, friends, cousins and
wives to work for a day in a bid to attract more workers to the industry.
'Girls with High-vis' month is an initiative of Connexis, the industry training organisation for New Zealand's
infrastructure industry in partnership with industry. The idea is to show women what jobs are on offer in the industry
and if they're interested, encourage them to apply for vacancies.
Connexis CEO Helmut Modlik says, "The infrastructure industry has a shortage of skilled workers, women represent more
than 50% of the population, but with only a small percentage working in technical or trade roles in our industry so
there's a huge potential pool for us to tap into. For example only 4% of new electricity supply industry trainees in
2014 were women.
"One of the key objectives is to build a stronger network of women in infrastructure, which in turn nurtures inclusion,
success and sustainability through mentoring and support. Girls with High-vis month is one way of achieving this and
will hopefully become an annual event," Helmut says.
Connexis Board Chair Frances Hague says, "Women are an essential part of the industry, providing a large pool of
potential staff for technical and trade careers. They bring an added dimension to the workforce - both in the boardroom
and onsite.
"Girls with High-vis month is a great initiative to help identify potential women to join the infrastructure industry
and encourage them to apply for jobs."
The highlight of Girls with High-vis month is a 'Celebration of Women in Infrastructure' lunch at Te Papa in Wellington
on Monday 22 June where NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence is the key speaker. Ten women who try out the industry for a day
during Girls with High-vis month will be invited to the event.
Northpower - East Tamaki, Electrix - Henderson, PowerNet - Invercargill, Meridian Energy - Wellington and Twizel and
McConnell Dowell - Christchurch and Auckland will all be welcoming women to experience their industry this month.
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