Celebration of Women in Infrastructure

Celebration of Women in Infrastructure

Wellington, 18 June 2015: Very few women are employed in technical and trade roles in New Zealand's infrastructure industry but that is changing.

Ultimit, an initiative of Connexis - the Industry Training Organisation for New Zealand's infrastructure industry - in partnership with other infrastructure organisations, is aiming to increase the number of women in the workforce and its latest initiative is 'Girls with Hi-vis' month.

Throughout June employees at power, roading and telecommunications supply companies are inviting sisters, daughters, friends and cousins to experience their industry for a 'hands on' day.

Connexis CEO Helmut Modlik says, "The industry as a whole has a shortage of skilled workers and with women representing nearly half of the population there is a large pool of prospective employees out there. Girls with Hi-vis month is about identifying women who want to work in the industry and helping them to position themselves for suitable jobs.

"One of the key objectives is to build a stronger network of women in infrastructure, which in turn nurtures inclusion, success and sustainability through mentoring and support. Girls with Hi-vis month is one way of achieving this and will hopefully become an annual event."

Connexis Board Chair Frances Hague, founder of Ultimit, says, "Women bring an added dimension to the workforce – both in the boardroom and onsite. The infrastructure industry offers a fantastic career path for women, albeit at the moment a not so common one, and that's a career path we're working to highlight the value of to women around the country."

The highlight of Girls with Hi-vis month is a 'Celebration of Women in Infrastructure' lunch at Te Papa in Wellington on Monday 22 June where NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence is the key speaker.

Wendy will speak about her NASA experience, in particular highlighting the challenges faced by a woman in a male dominated workplace, a theme that will resonate with women employed in the infrastructure industry in New Zealand.

Amongst attendees at the lunch will be ten women from around the country who have tried out the industry for a day during Girls with Hi-vis month.
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