New Zealand's infrastructure industry is short of skilled staff - and women are being targeted to fill the jobs.
While women make up 50% of the country's population, they account for less than 4% of Connexis' trade and technical trainees.
This month women around the country are donning hi-vis jackets to try their hand at jobs that are traditionally more popular with men, in the electricity supply, telecommunications, civil infrastructure and water industries, in a bid to attract more women into the workforce. The annual 'Girls with Hi-Vis' initiative sees staff inviting sisters, daughters, friends, cousins and wives to work for a day for a 'hands on experience'.
Connexis CEO Helmut Modlik says, "The infrastructure industry has a shortage of skilled workers and women are a relatively untapped workforce. Traditionally men are employed in these roles, but women are just as suited for the jobs and also offer a different skill base, which introduces an added dimension to the workforce.
"Another key industry objective is to build a stronger network of women in the infrastructure industry, which in turn nurtures inclusion, success and sustainability through mentoring and support. Girls with Hi-Vis month is one way of achieving this," he says.
The highlight of Girls with Hi-Vis month is a 'Celebration of Women in Infrastructure' lunch in Wellington on Wednesday 21 July. A selection of women who try out the industry for a day during Girls with Hi-Vis month will be invited to the event.
Industry partners are Visionstream, Auckland, Contact Energy, Clyde and Mainpower, Rangiora. They will all be welcoming women to experience their industry during the month with the first open day at Visionstream tomorrow.
More information:
Girls with Hi-Vis Women in Infrastructure