Ultimit - Women in Infrastructure is a Connexis initiative aimed at increasing female representation in trade and technical roles within the Infrastructure Industry.
2015 has been a stellar year and as we move closer to the season of reflection we’d like to share what we’ve been up to and what’s coming up next year.
Firstly thank you to those of you that have tirelessly supported and helped to drive many of our activities this year, without your continued engagement and energy the Ultimit programme would not be possible. Also welcome to those that are recently acquainted with the programme, we are pleased to be supporting all of our Infrastructure industries including Civil and Water as well as previous recipients Electricity Supply and telecommunications.
If you are not already familiar with the Ultimit programme and the work Connexis in partnership with Industry has been up to then check out the video below.
EEO Trust Diversity Awards - Ultimit "Highly Commended"
In August the Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Trust recognised the value of this project with a Highly Commended in the Empowerment category at their Diversity Awards, honouring our "innovative approach to attracting women to the infrastructure industry".
The Empowerment Award "celebrates innovative responses to gender balance in the workforce". The Ultimit project has been successful due to the drive and collaboration of a number of people across our diverse Industry and Connexis teams – you know who you are. Thank you!
Girls with Hi-vis Month – June 2015
In June 2015 Connexis/ Ultimit responded to Industry’s request to help identify women interested in trade and technical careers by facilitating a nationwide project - Girls with Hi-vis Month. The idea was to allow them experience what it would be like to have a technical/ trade role within the infrastructure industry and if interested, encourage them to apply for vacancies.
Companies in the power, roading and telecommunications industries invited sisters, daughters, friends, cousins and wives to work for a day in a bid to attract more workers to the industry.
The event was a resounding success with over 70 women attending 7 events across New Zealand from Invercargill to Auckland. Continuous engagement with participants via monthly eNewsletters has directly contributed to applications for and successful attainment of industry training opportunities. So we’ll be back with more of the same next June!
West Wind visit for Meridian Energy - Girls with Hi-Vis Celebration of Women in Infrastructure Forum – Te Papa, Wellington
The highlight of Girls with Hi-vis month was a 'Celebration of Women in Infrastructure' forum at Te Papa in Wellington on Monday 22 June where NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence was the key speaker.
Opened by Ministry for Women Chief Executive Dr Jo Cribb the event brought together inspirational women and key decision makers with younger engineering, technical and trade women as well as aspiring female trade trainees and apprentices. With Wendy Lawrence there to share her personal journey and encourage all to “dare to dream”.
It was a day of celebrating successes to-date, identifying key women ambassadors, discussing issues faced and joining together women across the sector to create ongoing support for women currently working within Infrastructure and those that are keen to join.
The event highlighted the importance of women actively:
- Asking for help
- Seeking out mentors
- Supporting each other within their trades
It has been a springboard for a number of initiatives as we shift into 'support' mode with the Ultimit programme.
Panel discussion around the challenges faced by women in male dominated industries with Wendy Lawrence female NASA Astronaut
Women in Infrastructure Awards
Connexis launched the inaugural Women in Infrastructure Awards in June 2015, to recognise those women that are making a difference within the Infrastructure industry. The Awards were presented at the Connexis 'Celebration of Women in Infrastructure' forum by guest speaker NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence.
Three awards were presented:
- Bright Star – for being actively engaged in a Girls with Hi-vis pre-trainee event
- Industry Aspiring Star – trade/ technical fledgling female leader
- Industry Inspirational Shining Star - actively empowering women in infrastructure
Women in Infrastructure Awards
Pictured left to right: Kimberly Jupp, Aroha Mclean, Wendy Lawrence NASA Astronaut, Lisa Albiston, Emma Scobie (Absent: Jade Lloyd)
Female Prospects Database
As we build up a database of quality, engaged female prospects we’d are creating a go-to pool of women for your next training opportunities. Regular engagement with these women is supporting them to position themselves for the next training role in Infrastructure. We encourage them to sign-up for the Connexis New Entrant Directory too. It’s a go to database for industry when you are looking to employ new trainees or apprentices. We’re in the process of updating this service so watch this space for more info in the New Year. For more information please email:
info@ultimit.co.nz On the Horizon
We’re really excited to be repeating the Girls with Hi-vis event in June 2016. Expression of Interest forms will be available to register your interest in February 2016, however feel free to let us know if you would like to be involved in the meantime.
Thank you so much for your support this year and for your interest in working towards a more diverse and inclusive Infrastructure Industry. We wish you a very happy and healthy break and look forward to working together in the New Year!
Until next time,
The Connexis/ Ultimit team