from Left to Right: Colin Mills, Lucy Heyndyk, one of the participating students and Catherine Mooney.
Lucy Heyndyk is only a month into her electrical apprenticeship, but already her enthusiasm for her new trade is fuelling other young women to follow her path. Lucy was one of several other female first year apprentices sharing their knowledge with around 40 female high school students at the Peer Training 'Try a Trade' day sponsored by AGL Torrens last week.
Students spent the day trying electrical and data, plumbing and refrigeration trades, with the support of first year apprentices. The program connected women in the workforce at all levels with female school students to share insights and raise awareness on pathways and career options available on-site in energy.
Why does AGL support this program?
In collaboration with Peer Training and Inspiring Futures for Young Women Australia, AGL supported the day to encourage more young women to choose non-traditional roles, creating interesting and diverse employment opportunities.
General Manager Gas and Renewables, Colin Mills who attended the event, said AGL's support for the day was part of a broader community program in South Australia that focuses on environmental initiatives and education opportunities for young people.
We're committed to engaging with the community surrounding the Torrens Island power station, and our program supports multiple community groups that align with our values.
Building greater gender diversity in our operational workforce is critical to our success into the future. The 'Try a Trade' day provided opportunity for these students to get some first-hand experience in what a day in the life of a tradesperson looks like.
By putting it on their radar at school, we hope that some of these students will consider these trades as career options and that they will consider working with AGL in the future.
Video from AGL Non-Executive Director Diane Smith-Gander on International Women's Day.