Women in regional NSW keen to work on major infrastructure projects are set to benefit from an innovative initiative aimed at increasing female participation in the construction industry as part of the critical HumeLink project.
Transgrid’s HumeLink East delivery partners, ACCIONA and GenusPlus Group, will implement the EmPOWERing Regional Women program, focusing on the Yass area. The initiative has secured a $180,700 grant from the NSW Government’s Women In Construction Industry Innovation Program.
Maryanne Graham, Executive General Manager of Corporate & Stakeholder Affairs, said, “Transgrid is taking action to increase the representation of women across the industry as we deliver transmission infrastructure vital to Australia’s renewable energy transition.
“The HumeLink project is creating up to 1,800 jobs, providing real opportunities for women to enter the energy and construction industries, increasing female representation in traditionally male-dominated roles. Construction offers significant employment and career development opportunities for women, and we welcome NSW Government funding to support this groundbreaking pre-employment initiative.”
The Industry Innovation Program, part of the Women in Construction Program, was created to fund innovative ideas that promote inclusive workplace cultures, attract and retain women in construction, and support female employees and women in leadership roles.
The EmPOWERing Regional Women program will prepare participants for various job opportunities on HumeLink East through:
- Nationally recognised and fully-accredited training for 15 women in the Yass area, delivered in partnership with the Umbrella Collective
- A structured mentoring program to support women in construction roles
- Resume writing and interview skills workshops to enhance job applications
- A health and wellbeing program fostering an inclusive workplace for all workers
Carel Nagel, Project Director for HumeLink East at ACCIONA and GenusPlus, highlighted the program’s significance: “This initiative represents a major step towards diversifying our workforce and creating opportunities for regional women. By providing skills, mentorship, and support, we’re not just filling roles – we’re building career pathways and strengthening our industry. We’ve designed this program to meet the needs of regional women, making it easier to balance training with family commitments by operating during school terms and hours.”
Launching on 15 October, the program will begin a recruitment campaign in the Yass area, with information sessions for potential participants.
HumeLink is a crucial part of the National Electricity Market, reinforcing the southern networks of NSW and Victoria to deliver cleaner and cheaper renewable energy. The project involves constructing a 365km transmission route, including new and upgraded infrastructure across four substations.
For more information on the EmPOWERing Regional Women program and upcoming sessions, call 1800 137 637 (free call).
Image: Transgrid Delivery Manager Stephanie Puttock and apprentice substation technician Hayley Putland