Women around the country will be donning high-vis jackets this June as they give careers in the Civil Infrastructure and Water Industries a go.
GIRLS WITH HI-VIS month is an initiative by Ultimit (part of Industry Training Organisation Connexis). Developed in partnership with industry, the aim is to increase female participation in trade roles in horizontal built infrastructure. The initiative works by giving women the opportunity to spend the day with a local employer (often of a friend or family member) to gain some ‘hands on’ experience and find out about career opportunities in the industry.
Girls with Hi-Vis was launched with the Electricity Supply Industry in 2015 and saw over 50 women take part with the support of participating companies – Northpower, Electrix, PowerNet, Meridian Energy, Transfield Services, Genesis Energy and McConnell Dowell. Following the success of last year’s event, the initiative is expanding into Civil and Water this year.
Connexis CEO Helmut Modlik says, “It is widely acknowledged that the infrastructure industry has a shortage of skilled workers. Women represent more than 50 percent of the population, but only a small percentage are working in technical or trade roles in our industry so there’s a huge potential pool for us to tap into. For example only four percent of current Connexis trade trainees are women.
“As well as raising awareness of career options in infrastructure trades, one of the key objectives of Girls with Hi-Vis is to build a stronger network of women in infrastructure. This in turn nurtures inclusion, success and sustainability through mentoring and support.”
How to get involved
Girls with Hi-Vis is going to be bigger and better than ever in 2016, and Connexis is inviting the Civil and Water Industries to be part of it.
People working in the industry are encouraged to get involved by bringing their female friends and relatives to work with them, with the support of their employer.
Connexis is also seeking employers to host Girls with Hi-Vis events, and open their doors for a day to women who are interested in a technical or trade role.
To find out more
Go to www.connexis.org.nz/events/girls-with-hi-vis or email info@ultimit.co.nz to register your interest.
Girls with Hi-Vis month was launched with the Electricity Supply Industry in 2015. The initiative works by giving women the opportunity to spend the day with a local employer (often of a friend or family member) to gain some ‘hands on’ experience and find out about career opportunities in the industry.
