Women in electrotechnology

2021 IS SHAPInG uP TO Be A YeAR THAT IS SHInInG A SPOTLIGHT On WOMen In eLeCTROTeCHnOLOGY AnD ALLIeD TRADeS, On SeVeRAL FROnTS.

The neCA Women’s network was established to bring like-minded women from the electrotechnology industry, under the one roof, to network, share knowledge and experiences, and create a supportive network. To kick start the year, neCA together with our partner Protect, hosted our prestigious 2021 Women’s network event, celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD). The event brought together over 175 women connected to the electrotechnology industry, making this our largest women’s event to date! The buzz in the room at the Metropolis was electric [pun intended], as attendees delighted in the simple pleasure of stepping out and reconnecting face-to-face, after a challenging year of lockdowns in Victoria. As the sun shone through the floor to ceiling windows, the smiles grew wider, bread was broken and the inspiring conversations flowed, despite the 12-month COVID-19 hiatus.

It was clear to see and hear at the neCA IWD event, that attendees were happy to be working in the industry. They were challenged and proud to overcome the issues they have been presented with, including workplaces that were not open, receptive, or equipped to have women. Attendees were proud to be ‘on the tools’ and leading teams in predominately male-dominated workspaces. They have demonstrated that gender does not stop them from performing the task at hand. The International Women’s Day theme for this year was #choosetochallenge, “From challenge comes change…… so let’s all choose to challenge the way we think and challenge the status quo.” One of the biggest “status quo challenges” in our industry is gender diversity. Women have consistently comprised only 2% of workers in the Australian construction sector over the past 30 years. The electrotechnology industry figure is about 3%, with our industry lagging behind other traditionally maledominated industries, such as mining and engineering. So, the challenge is out there for all of us - individuals, businesses, neCA and government – to play a part in increasing our industry’s diversity profile and building a strong pipeline of women within our industry.

BIG BUILD APPRENTICESHIPS

Big Build Apprenticeships (BBA) will provide employment and training opportunities for more apprentices and trainees, and ensure a pipeline of skilled workers to deliver the Government’s Big Build program and a skills legacy for Victoria. The program will provide up to 1,500 opportunities for apprentices and trainees each year going forward, ensuring apprentices and trainees can kickstart their careers on some of Victoria’s biggest projects, such as the north east Link and the new Footscray Hospital projects, with an expansion onto other major projects over time. Find out more:

apprenticeships.educationapps.vic.gov.au

JOBS VICTORIA FUND

The Jobs Victoria Fund provides businesses, sole traders, social enterprises and organisations with wage subsidies of up to $20,000 over 12 months to take on new, eligible staff including women aged over 45. The subsidy amount paid will depend on each employee and whether the job is full-time or part-time. Find out if you are eligible:

jobs.vic.gov.au/about-jobs-victoria/ our-programs/jobs-victoria-fund

Advocacy/government funding

Government, both at state and federal level post COVID-19, is focusing its attention on a number of initiatives to bolster the number of women in trades. This was a key topic of discussion at the event.

The government is providing significant funding to attract, recruit and retain women in trades in broad programs, such as, Jobs Victoria Fund and Big Build Apprenticeships to name just two. neCA Victoria, together with neCA education and Careers, are working towards tapping into these government-led initiatives, with the aim of assisting businesses and individuals within the industry. neCA will keep members informed of these opportunities as they develop throughout 2021 and beyond. neCA is also part of the consultation process for the government’s Women In Construction Industry Strategy and in particular, the Building equality Policy, which seeks to create training and development opportunities for women in trades and managerial/specialised positions within the construction industry, through government procurement practices. neCA will keep members abreast of developments in the coming months.

Personal challenges

In the midst of COVID-19, neCA introduced a free employee Assistance Program (eAP) service for members, their employees and their families, which is serviced by the amazing team at Hunterlink who know and understand our industry very well. Through neCA’s alliance with Hunterlink, we can be assured that everyone in the industry has access to their valuable services.

We were honoured to have presentations by Christine Field, Hunterlink CeO and Jenelle Connors, eAP Operations Manager, who are experienced in handling issues raised by clients within the electrotechnology industry. They identified the biggest challenge for women in 2021 as the gender confidence gap - their internal talk and how it affects their mental health. Christine Field encouraged women to challenge the doubts they have, which fuel a sense of inadequacy. “Many women lack the confidence to achieve what they want or change what they don’t, and this stems a lot from how we talk to ourselves, even more so than the way others do. Some clients won’t even apply for a job unless they tick every single box and tend to judge themselves very harshly, making them more afraid to put themselves out there. It really is still prevalent in society that women struggle to embrace their unique strengths and underestimate the value they bring. So, what we need now is for women to dare to challenge the negative noises in our head, those critical voices urging us to think small and play safe. Words hold power and what we say to ourselves about ourselves is powerful. We need to challenge ourselves to own our value more fully, to defy our doubts more often and to dare to make a difference.” —Christine Field

For more information about neCA’s eAP service please call 1800 554 654 or visit www.hunterlink.org.au.

Mentoring challenge

One more challenge was thrown out to attendees on the day… neCA Victoria is looking to establish a mentoring program. Becoming a mentor is a great way to support the ongoing development of those already in the industry, as well as establishing strong networking relationships. Mentors share their knowledge, skills, and life experience with others, enabling them to learn, grow and reach their full potential. Being a mentor can be a wonderfully fulfilling experience and would really assist our industry. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, contact the Member experience team at necavic@neca.asn.au.

Final note

As the event drew to an official close, attendees reflected on the ‘choose to challenge’ theme, which was made that much easier over a selection of sumptuous desserts. Thank you to all of the attendees for engaging in the conversation and for making this event a memorable one.

Our International Women’s Day event is becoming one of the must-attend events on the neCA calendar. With planning already underway, we invite you to mark a placeholder in your calendars for next year’s IWD event on Friday 4 March 2022.

Joy Meilak

General Manager Business and Commercial Services, NECA Victoria joy.meilak@neca.asn.au