Women trailblazers graduate from ground-breaking program

HumeLink is one of thirteen projects that received a share in $2.2 million in grant funding under Year 2 of the NSW Government Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program (IIP).

The diverse group of participants have completed seven weeks of nationally-recognised and fully-accredited training under the EmPOWERing Regional Women Program, preparing them for a range of job opportunities delivering the HumeLink East section of the clean energy project.

Transgrid Executive General Manager of Stakeholder, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Maryanne Graham said: “Transgrid and our delivery partners are proud to deliver this innovative pre-employment initiative, fostering greater participation by women in regional infrastructure projects and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

“We are committed to closing the gender gap as we deliver the transmission infrastructure identified as critical by the Australian and NSW Governments to support the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy generation.

“The program attracted participants from school leavers to women with life experience whose skills in other sectors can easily transfer to construction and help accelerate new careers for woman 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.”

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 wellbeing program, resume writing, interview workshops, team building, cultural awareness, and site excursions, giving participants first-hand experience of a career in construction.  

Program participant Sage Rasmussen, 19, from Yass, said the program provided her with 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,” Ms Rasmussen 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.”

Program participant Charmain Angove, 64, from Goulburn, boasts a wealth of experience from her customer service roles in the hotel industry, vehicle manufacturing, and the management of RSLs and TABs.

Ms Angove adopted a mentoring role during the program, helping other participants and instilling the importance of confidence, calmness and self-belief to ensure every role contributes to the success of the team.  

“There is good money in construction and programs like this make access to the jobs more equitable. I was retrenched in 2022 so this opportunity to transition to construction is incredible,” she said.  

“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’.”  

A formal graduation ceremony was held at Yass Soldiers’ Memorial Hall on November 28 where participants received graduation certificates and were celebrated for completing the program. Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones spoke to the ceremony and congratulated the women on their efforts.  

ACCIONA and GenusPlus Project Director for HumeLink East 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.”

The EmPOWERing Regional Women Program has been made possible through a collaboration between Transgrid, HumeLink East delivery partners ACCIONA and GenusPlus, The Umbrella Collective and a grant from the NSW Government Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program. 

Media enquiries: Jaryd Ramsey 0407 102 396