WOMEN IN PIPELINES & GAS
Justine Hyams working out in the field.
Breaking down barriers in the pipeline industry Historically, low female participation has been an ongoing issue in energy industries, with companies struggling to attract, retain and promote women. The APGA is attempting to shift this imbalance by offering more women’s networking opportunities and leadership development programs. The Australian Pipliner sat down with two women who are challenging the conventional stereotypes and paving the way for future female industry figures. Cara Robb Cara Robb works in Project and Change Support with energy provider Jemena. Her responsibilities include coordinating projects and working with asset management across gas and electricity initiatives. “I never saw myself working in a utilities company; I literally had no idea about utilities when I came into the business,” she says. Ms Robb has a diverse career background. After migrating across from the education sector, which is so often female dominated, starting a career in utilities was something of a culture shock. “You are acutely aware of being the only female onsite,” she explains. Since making the move to Jemena, Ms Robb quickly became involved in women’s groups, making up part of the APGA’s pilot of the Women’s Leadership Development Program. “Being in a female-only environment offers a different atmosphere,” she says. “In the training, there’s no judgment; everyone shares stories about what isn’t working in the industry.” Networking, Ms Robb says, is vital for retaining women in the industry.
28
"We want women to come into the industry – to feel supported, safe, and build up on that so they can continue in the industry, because predominantly it has been historically a male environment." “These spaces emulate the networking that men in the industry do quite naturally. Women don’t necessarily celebrate their own achievements. But when we get together, we become each other’s support and cheerleaders.” Since then, Ms Robb has been very active in associated activities of the APGA women’s program. “From that I have delved into working with the industry to try and keep building up a Women in Pipelines network. It was something we raised in 2019, but there was such high interest that last year the APGA had many more cohorts come through. “We want women to come into the industry – to feel supported, safe, and build up on that so they can continue in the industry, because predominantly it has been historically a male environment.” Before joining Jemena, Ms Robb studied The Australian Pipeliner | October 2021
teaching, specialising in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). One of her greatest projects has been to promote STEM for girls in primary and high schools. This strong pedagogical arrow to her bow has informed Ms Robb’s experience in the utilities industry. As an educator and a graduate from the Women’s Development Program, growing individuals particularly important to her. Ms Robb is currently Chair of the Victorian branch of the Young Pipeliners Forum. “I definitely want to be a mentor for those who aren’t quite sure - a sounding board or an advocate for people to learn from,” she says. That there is a future for women in the pipeline industry is an inextricable part of the message Ms Robb wants to impart on emerging field figures and instil into the next generation of industry leaders. “Girls can see that they can be engineers, they
