Graduates of the NSW Government’s 2024 EmPOWERing Regional Women Program. Photo: Supplied.
They came straight from school or after a near-lifetime of work but they had one thing in common: women from rural parts of the NSW Southern Tablelands keen on a career working on major infrastructure projects.
Seventeen of these women have just graduated from the NSW Government Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program (IIP). The diverse group spent seven weeks training under the EmPOWERing Regional Women Program, preparing them for a range of job opportunities, including delivering the HumeLink East section of the clean energy project.
Charmain Angrove, 64, of Goulburn, came to the program with a wealth of life and business skills, from customer service in the hotel industry, vehicle manufacturing to managing TABs – but she wanted more.
Not only did she take part in the program, she also took on a mentoring role with some of the younger participants, helping some of the team members learn how to build confidence and self-belief.
“There is good money in construction and programs like this make access to the jobs more equitable,” she said.
“I was retrenched in 2022 so this opportunity to transition to construction is incredible.
“I’ve never seen anything like this program. We’ve had comments walking down the street in our PPE about how fascinating it is to see so many women dressed for a construction site, and I tell them, ‘Watch this space, because we’re coming.’”
Sage Rasmussen, 19, from Yass, said the program provided practical training and support to help her secure an apprenticeship in the construction industry.
“I finished Year 11 and 12 at TAFE, and it has highlighted alternative pathways for me to enter the industry,” she said.
“Balancing the male-to-female ratio will bring lots of benefits, and I feel that over time, my skills and confidence will grow, and having the support and network from this program will benefit me on any future worksite.”
The program is designed to boost female participation and retention in the construction of major infrastructure projects in regional NSW, including the HumeLink transmission line.
Transgrid spokesperson Maryanne Graham said the program attracted participants from school leavers to women with life experience whose skills in other sectors could transfer to construction and help accelerate new careers for women in the energy sector.
“I congratulate all participants for their dedication and commitment to completing the program and helping to boost female participation in major infrastructure projects in regional NSW,” she said.
Program participants gained essential certifications in work, health and safety, traffic control, first aid, and working safely at heights and in the vicinity of electrical equipment.
The pre-employment program also provided mentoring and networking opportunities, a health and well-being program, resume writing, interview workshops, team building, cultural awareness, and site excursions, giving participants firsthand experience of a career in construction.
HumeLink East project director Carel Nagel said: “I’m proud of the program and that all 17 participants have been so actively involved, with a continued keenness to join the industry.
“Now, they’ll go on to meet other members of the wider HumeLink East team to get a real insight into daily work on the project.”
The 17 participants graduated from the program on Thursday 28 November in Yass.
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