Hayley Hewson, from Canberra, joined Transgrid as a first-year apprentice at the Yass electrical substation this year. Photo: Transgrid.
When it comes to making the world a better, sustainable place, Canberra’s Hayley Hewson, 17, could not be more fired up.
Earlier this year, Hayley, from Canberra, joined Transgrid as a first-year apprentice electrical substation technician based at Yass.
She was a Year 11 student when she enrolled in Transgrid’s pre-apprenticeship program for women last year.
“After spending a week at Transgrid it was pretty obvious they are focused on encouraging women not just into trades but giving them opportunities for promotion in other parts of the business,” she said.
“I have always been interested in the electrical industry and maths. I’m also keen to play a part in the renewable energy transition and help to make the world better.”
Hayley is one of an increasingly growing number of women, throughout rural and regional NSW, keen to make a difference working on major infrastructure projects.
It’s part of a new program to increase female participation in the construction industry as part of the HumeLink project – a new 500 kV transmission line which will connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle.
It is one of the state’s largest energy infrastructure projects, with about 365 km of proposed new transmission lines, and new or upgraded infrastructure at four locations.
Transgrid’s HumeLink East delivery partners ACCIONA and GenusPlus Group will implement the EmPOWERing Regional Women program, with a specific focus on the Yass area.
This initiative has received a $180,700 grant from the NSW Government’s Women In Construction Industry Innovation Program – and created up to 1800 jobs for women.
Executive General Manager of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs Maryanne Graham said Transgrid was taking action to increase the representation of women across the industry “as we get on with the job of delivering transmission infrastructure critical to Australia’s renewable energy transition”.
She said the HumeLink project was providing real opportunities for women to enter the energy and construction industries and increase female representation in traditionally male-dominated roles.
“Construction offers enormous employment and career development opportunities for women, and we welcome NSW Government Industry Innovation Program funding to drive this groundbreaking pre-employment initiative to help increase female participation in regional infrastructure projects,” Ms Graham said.
She said the grants program was established to fund innovative ideas in industry to support the creation of inclusive workplace cultures, attract and retain women to the construction sector and support female employees and women in leadership roles.
The family-friendly work-readiness program will prepare participants for a range of job opportunities on HumeLink East by providing:
• Nationally-recognised and fully accredited training for 15 women in the Yass area, equipping them with valuable skills for the construction industry. The training will be delivered in partnership with the Umbrella Collective
• A structured mentoring program to support the retention of women in construction roles
• Resume writing and interview skills workshops, preparing participants for future job applications
• A health and wellbeing program to foster an inclusive workplace environment for all workers.
Transgrid Delivery Manager Stephanie Puttock with apprentice substation technician Hayley Putland, both of Wagga, are also part of the program. Photo: Transgrid.
ACCIONA and GenusPlus Project Director for HumeLink East Carel Nagel said: “This program represents a significant step towards diversifying our workforce and creating opportunities for regional women.
“By providing valuable skills, mentorship, and a supportive environment, we’re not just filling roles – we’re building career pathways and strengthening our industry.
“We’ve designed this program from the ground up to meet the needs of regional women and make it easier for participants to balance training with family commitments. That includes operating three days a week during school terms and within school hours.”
The EmPOWERing Regional Women program will be launched on 15 October, with HumeLink East delivery partners starting a recruitment campaign in the Yass area, including information sessions for potential participants.
For more information about the EmPOWERing Regional Women program and upcoming information, call 1800 137 637 or email [email protected]
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