Engineering is the largest employer of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) professions, yet engineering has the lowest female representation across all STEM professions. In fact, only 13% of the Australian engineering workforce is female.
At Ventia, we know that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do, but enhances productivity, improves culture and creates a better place that people want to work for, do business with and buy from.
For the second year running, our Transport team was thrilled to sponsor the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Women in Engineering Society (WIESoc) Industry Mentoring Program.
Partnering engineering students with an industry mentor, the three-part program is driven by a student-run society that advocates gender acceptance and equality in all facets of the engineering industry.
It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with our potential future workforce and showcase Ventia as a #greatplacetowork.
Jointly sponsored by Ventia and Microsoft, the event was supported by mentors from many great organisations including WSP, Canva, Arcadis, Aristocrat, Cochlear, Jacobs and members of the Ventia team.
Donny Yap, Asset Management Cost Engineer on Ventia's Western Harbour Tunnel Asset Manager Contract, said it was great to see industry starting to pay particular focus in attracting and retaining women in to engineering roles.
"It is heartening to see that many of the potential initiatives in Engineers Australia's June 2022 Women in Engineering report are things already being supported through initiatives such as WIESoc's Industry Mentoring Program,' says Donny.
Ventia is a diverse company with big opportunities for smart, curious and talented people. Female engineers have the opportunity to really shine in our organisation, and will also be supported through programs such as our Workplace Credentials Partnership with Engineers Australia.
Natalie Kerry, WIESoc's Vice President of Programs said the event was a huge success.
"It was fantastic to be able to hold this year's opening even in person after the challenges that COVID-19 lockdowns presented us with last year," says Natalie.
"As a student-led volunteer group, we are incredibly thankful for sponsors like Ventia, who are big employers and can provide future career opportunities for our female (and male) engineering students.
"We'd also like to thank Microsoft for co-sponsoring this event and providing the excellent facilities for students and mentors to network and engage in meaningful conversations."
What the students had to say
'It was such a great event. I loved meeting my mentor in person and networking with other mentors and mentees' - Felice Tan, Student Mentee
The speakers from Ventia and Microsoft were truly inspirational. I learnt a lot about future career opportunities for someone like me studying engineering.
Winny Tsai, Student Mentee
'This was such a well-run event. The lucky door prizes that Ventia gave out on the night was such a nice touch!'- Zara McGuire, Student Mentee
Join our award winning #VentiaGrad Program
With our 2023 Ventia Grad campaign now kicking off, now is the time to apply!
If you or someone you know has completed an undergraduate degree in the last two years, or you are in your final year of study across the disciplines of engineering or business - we want to hear from you!
To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.ventia.com/careers/graduate-program