If there’s one thing we’ve definitely learned in all our years here at WORK180, it’s this: young women cannot be what they cannot see.
When addressing gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries like engineering and trades, the more visible women role models are, the more likely younger generations are to ‘see’ themselves taking on the same roles.
This opens the door wide for a new empowered generation of women going after the roles they want.
We’re constantly wowed by the stories of women in these sectors showing up, kicking ALL the goals, and demonstrating that it’s no longer all about the men.
So, without further ado, here are just a few of said women and their incredible experiences!
Mineral Resources | Microsoft | SMCT | Transgrid | Freightliner | WaterNSW | KONE | Pacific National | TasNetworks
Meet: Stephanie Tompsett, Site Manager with Mineral Resources
“Promoting gender equity can help identify and nurture female leaders, contributing to a more balanced and effective leadership pipeline. This diversity at the top can inspire and mentor the next generation of female professionals.”
Why do you love what you do?
I love working in the resources industry because it’s so diverse. The industry creates numerous employment opportunities, from skilled labor to engineering, management, and environmental science. The competitive salary and benefits are a bonus!
I love working at MinRes because of its community development & engagement, investing in local communities through education and healthcare projects. I admire MinRes’ investment in their people through training, leadership seminars, mentoring, and support provided.
What I love about my role as Site Manager is the ability to be a role model for others, to impact someone else’s professional development, and to pave the way for future generations in the mining industry, demonstrating that success in this field is achievable regardless of gender.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
Myth: Women lack the physical strength for resource-industry jobs.
Busted: Many roles in the resources industry do not require significant physical strength. Advancements in technology and mechanization have reduced the need for physical labor.
Women can and do perform these jobs as effectively as men.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
A diverse workforce brings different perspectives and problem-solving approaches, fostering innovation. Gender diversity can lead to better decision-making and more creative solutions, which is essential in an industry that faces complex challenges.
Promoting gender equity can help identify and nurture female leaders, contributing to a more balanced and effective leadership pipeline. This diversity at the top can inspire and mentor the next generation of female professionals.
Stephanie’s top tips for others looking to break into the industry:
1. Believe in your abilities: Trust your skills and knowledge. Confidence is vital to overcoming challenges.
2. Stay resilient and persistent: Develop a resilient mindset to bounce back from setbacks and challenges and keep pushing forward towards your goals, even when faced with obstacles.
3. Cultivate strong work relationships: Form strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels and look for mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and support.
Meet: Jessica Siow, Datacenter Construction Delivery (DCD) Project Manager with Microsoft
“A common myth is that the construction industry is unsuitable for women. In reality, many women have successful careers in construction, and great strides have been made in cultivating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the industry.”
Why do you love what you do?
I enjoy the collaboration and teamwork – collaborating with various stakeholders and subject matter experts, e.g., architects, engineers, and contractors, and working through the daily challenges alongside the project team.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
A common myth is that the construction industry is not suitable for women. In reality, many women have successful careers in construction, and great strides have been made to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the industry.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
Gender equity in the construction industry is vital to ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities for employment and career advancement regardless of gender, attract individuals from a broader talent pool into the industry, and enable the industry to leverage a wider range of skills and perspectives.
Jessica’s top tip for securing your next role in a male-dominated field:
“Believe in your unique strengths and abilities, don’t be afraid to speak up and communicate assertively, and continue developing your expertise in your field to position yourself successfully in your industry.”
Meet: Diana Kovago, Project Manager with Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust
“Everyone should have access to the same opportunities. Everyone brings different perspectives, which are invaluable to making a workplace inclusive and welcoming.”
Why do you love what you do?
I love working in Construction and Project Management as it’s interesting, and I love using my creative skills in concept design and growing my organizational skills. The whole journey of working on a project is a rewarding and holistic experience, from the design concept to managing construction and handing over a completed project.
Every day presents a learning opportunity that challenges me. The learning opportunities have been about equal access for our community and team members.
We have a great team of people who are open and generous in sharing their knowledge, which has helped me on my development journey.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
Before working at Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), I didn’t think much happened at cemeteries. It was only when I joined SMCT as a Project Manager that I found there was a busy hive of activity. I didn’t realize how many people it took to operate a cemetery! Life at SMCT is dynamic—no day is the same.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
Everyone should have access to the same opportunities. This is important because everyone brings different perspectives invaluable to making a workplace inclusive and welcoming.
Diana’s top tips for finding success in a male-dominated industry:
1. If the work in male-dominated industries is what you love, pursue it, and don’t let anyone stop you from being the best person you can be. Do what you’re passionate about in your life and work. You will be a beacon of hope for other women in the industry.
2. Hold your integrity by treating people with the same kindness, respect, and empathy you expect of others. At the same time, walk the talk by leading by example for others. This builds trust through integrity by doing what you say you will do.
Meet: Isabel Shanahan, Maintenance Planner with Transgrid
“If any woman is passionate about any field, they will succeed. This is why it is important to have gender equity. Why should we be dismissed in any workplace because we are women?”
Why do you love what you do?
Since I was 14, I have wanted to be an electrician – I just found electricity amazing! I wanted to find out how it all worked, so I decided that this would be the path I should follow. I originally wanted to work in the Navy, but I had my heart set on working on Submarines. I didn’t end up following this part, as back then (in the 1980s!), women weren’t allowed to work on the submarines. We could only work in the warehouse making and repairing parts for them. I wanted to be part of the action, so I looked at other options.
I was equally interested in becoming a High Voltage Electrical Fitter, and Transgrid allowed all apprentices to work on substation plants and equipment. I was excited and started my apprenticeship in 1988 in Orange. I was the only woman working in the field then, with around 270 men! There were a couple of ladies in the office at the Depot as well. I traveled extensively around the Central West of NSW, where I gained experience in the field. In 1992, I was appointed as an Electrical Fitter based at the Wallerawang and Mount Piper Substations. I was the first woman in Transmission to successfully gain High Voltage Switching and complete the Substation Training (which took another five years to complete).
I loved my time in the field and continued to work full-time at the substation plant for around 27 years. This industry is constantly changing; there is always something new to learn, and it never gets boring.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
Myth: Men are better suited for jobs involving manual labor.
Truth: Women can do anything they put their minds to; we are just as capable as our counterparts.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
If any woman has a passion in any field, they will succeed. This is why it is important to have gender equity. Why should we be dismissed in any workplace because we are women?
Isabel’s top tip for breaking into the industry:
“Be yourself, have passion, be eager to learn. Study hard and work hard. You will succeed. Don’t give up, I went for 17 apprenticeships before I gained my apprenticeship with Transgrid.”
Meet: Susan Holliday, Head of Rail Leasing with Freightliner
“It’s a man’s job”. Utter rubbish! The world and its attitudes have changed significantly since I first joined the railway 20 years ago. There are fantastic support networks out there if you want/need them, but day to day, colleagues, male or female, only see your ability and willingness to do the job.”
Why do you love what you do?
What’s not to like about trains? On a serious note, the biggest draw to my job and the industry I work in is the opportunity to make a difference.
Getting the best possible deal for Freightliner (be that the big deals or mini ones) gets me up in the morning because the more cost-effective we are, the more attractive we become to existing customers and potential new ones.
In simple terms, for us at Freightliner, that equates to getting containers off lorries and onto the railway. It is a massive win for the environment and road infrastructure.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
“It’s a man’s job.”
Utter rubbish! The world and its attitudes have changed significantly since I first joined the railway 20 years ago. There are fantastic support networks out there if you want/need them, but day-to-day colleagues, male or female, only see your ability and willingness to do the job.
It’s true that females are still under-represented at work for many reasons, but I’m pleased to say that this is changing and will continue to do so.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
Gender equity is so important across all industries. Numerous studies have shown that the more diverse your team (or industry!) is, the more successful it will be. Personally, I also believe it creates a happier environment.
Susan’s top tips for success in a male-dominated industry:
“My top tip? Be yourself! I spent many of my early years at work trying to fit into a male-dominated environment by attempting to be more like my colleagues. I’d dress in a more masculine way, try my best to speak ‘football’ (nothing wrong with football, it just wasn’t me!), and avoid any conversation that might lead to someone thinking I was too ‘girly’ for the job! I’m pleased to say that that’s just a distant memory these days!
If I could be indulged with offering up another ‘top tip’, I’d also say, please don’t worry about juggling family life with work life. This is something women tend to see as a ‘hurdle’ to jump over. Most employers now offer flexible arrangements if you need them, and it’s much more usual for both parents to share the load these days – it’s the 21st Century, after all! Good luck, and go get ‘em!”
Meet: Liz Baker, Project Manager with KONE
“You don’t need to be ‘one of the boys’ to fit in; you just need to work hard and get the job done. Don’t be afraid to get things wrong because that is how you learn.”
Why do you love what you do?
When I first came back from NZ, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had run my own business for the last ten years, and the idea of getting back into the corporate world was both exciting and daunting. After a few false starts, I got an administrative position at KONE.
Instantly, I fell in love with the energy and challenges of the construction industry and wanted to do more. I worked hard and learned as much as I could, and recently, I was offered the position of Project Manager.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
That you need to be an ‘expert’ or have a certain level of knowledge to get into the industry.
This role is next level in terms of knowledge requirements and all my team members have come from the tools; they live and breathe lift installation.
Me, on the other hand, came from a fitness background, and the only thing I knew about lifts before I started was they go up and down 😉
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
I am extremely lucky to have a very supportive team at work helping me learn and grow as a PM. Being a female in the construction industry definitely has its challenges, but I am not afraid of a little hard work and getting my hands dirty.
Liz’s top tip for success in a male-dominated industry:
“You don’t need to be “one of the boys” to fit in; you just need to work hard and get the job done. Don’t be afraid to get things wrong because that is how you learn. Yes, the lift industry is technical, and there is lots to learn, but the only way to do that is to get into the work required, listen, become a sponge, and show everyone that being a female shouldn’t make a difference to how you succeed in life, no matter what you do!”
Meet: Michelle Yeaman, General Manager Regional Operations North with WaterNSW
“One of the key myths is that women can’t succeed in the industry, particularly in the operations and maintenance areas. That is absolutely not the case!”
Why do you love what you do?
I love working with my team to help them realize their full potential. I am passionate about building a strong performance culture and working with my team and other parts of the business to continually improve our performance.
I also really enjoy going to the site to see how our teams deliver their work in operating and maintaining assets that are critical to the delivery of services to our customers.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
One key myth is that women are unable to succeed in the industry, particularly in operations and maintenance. That is absolutely not the case!
At WaterNSW, we have a growing number of women in operations, asset management, and engineering. While I would like to see a lot more women, particularly in regional operations (e.g., maintenance, water monitoring, meter readings), we have a number of women moving through the organization, with a number in management roles.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
Gender equity is important for a number of reasons: women can bring a diversity of thinking, are typically authentic and empathetic leaders, and represent a largely untapped part of the potential workforce, particularly in regional areas.
Michelle’s top tip for breaking into the industry:
“Build your skill set and experience by taking on different roles (including operational roles) throughout your career, focusing on developing leadership and management skills.”
Meet: Fiona Dick, Trainee Driver with Pacific National
“You don’t need to have ANY previous experience in the field if a traineeship is available. I was so worried my lack of mechanical knowledge would limit my ability to get a job like this.”
Why do you love what you do?
I love that every shift is different. No two days are the same, and the view out the window changes with the weather and the time of day.
The crew is all from different backgrounds, so there have been some great conversations in the cab. There is something about driving a big, heavy, and expensive vehicle that has me grinning.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
You don’t need to have ANY previous experience in the field if a traineeship is available.
I was so worried my lack of mechanical knowledge would limit my ability to get a job like this.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
The same as it is important in every industry. Exposure to perspectives from genders other than the dominant one can provide alternative views on all business areas, such as safety, workplace improvement, and the working environment. Pacific National shines in this aspect with the values it upholds in its PNA (Pacific National Approach).
Fiona’s top tip for breaking into the industry:
“Apply! Apply for the job, apply yourself. Take the leap like I did. Make the most of every opportunity the company offers and be yourself.”
Meet: Sheyda Shokouhi Tabrizi, Training Principal – Intermodal, Driver Training Depot with Pacific National
“I believe that women possess invaluable skills and abilities that should not be underestimated, particularly in the context of the rail industry. Their contributions in this field should be recognized and valued.”
Why do you love what you do?
I have always been deeply enthusiastic about education and have found great joy in learning and assisting others. Having previously worked as a Special Education School Teacher, I felt compelled to pivot my career towards adult education during the pandemic, ultimately leading me to embark on a new journey within the rail industry.
Reflecting on my recent years in the rail sector, I have derived immense fulfillment from my role as a guide and mentor for new employees venturing into the rail industry. Additionally, I have taken great pleasure in providing ongoing support to existing employees, aiding them in acquiring new skills and advancing in their respective roles.
The opportunity to witness these individuals’ professional growth and success has brought me unparalleled joy as an educator.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
“Women aren’t fit to work on-site, or it’s too rough of a job.”
Women possess invaluable skills and abilities that should not be underestimated, particularly in the context of the rail industry. Their contributions in this field should be recognized and valued.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
When gender equity is present in the workplace, it ensures that both men and women have an equal chance to thrive and succeed. It creates an environment where all staff members feel valued, respected, and included as integral parts of the team. This fosters a culture of fairness and equal treatment, where everyone can excel based on their skills and contributions rather than their gender.
Furthermore, such an inclusive environment is likely to attract more women to consider and apply for roles within the rail industry, leading to a more diverse and dynamic workforce.
Sheyda’s top tip for success in a male-dominated industry:
“It’s important to maintain an open and receptive attitude, embrace confidence, and not hesitate to voice opinions, share innovative ideas, and showcase competencies on par with male colleagues. Drawing from my personal experiences, I have been fortunate to receive substantial support and numerous opportunities for professional growth and advancement in my various roles while I had male managers and colleagues.”
Meet: Rebecca Ritchie, Health & Safety Partner with TasNetworks
“Gender equality in the workplace brings different ideas, experiences, and problem-solving styles that can lead to solutions and improved decision-making, and it reflects the community we support and aligns with principles of social responsibility and ethical business practices.”
Why do you love what you do?
I am part of a team of passionate safety professionals who support team members and the business. In my role, I support my peers’ mental and physical health and am involved in investigating why things go wrong and identifying solutions to address how they have occurred. There’s a good mix of office and field work involved, and I have exposure to the distribution and transmission aspects of the business.
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women into industries like yours?
Jobs within the electrical industry are mostly field-based roles, and those roles are extensive.
TasNetworks requires a diverse range of skills for both field and office-based roles, and if you have the required skills for a role, you will absolutely succeed. TasNetworks also offers apprenticeship and graduate programs to help you gain the skills if you don’t already have them.
Why do you think gender equity is important in these industries?
Gender equality in the workplace brings different ideas, experiences, and problem-solving styles that can lead to solutions and improved decision-making, and it reflects the community we support and aligns with principles of social responsibility and ethical business practices.
Rebecca’s top tip for success in a male-dominated industry:
“First and foremost, apply for the job! Reach out to the recruiters and ask questions.
Look for a mentor and BE a mentor. TasNetworks has an abundance of team members and leaders who are willing to support you in your new career. Take advantage of and engage in networking events, both internal and external. Lastly, take part in the school’s programs; young girls can’t be what they can’t see, and the more exposure they have to women who work in this industry, the better it will be in the future.”
