Diversity within Downer

Brodie Henry crushing it full-time at work for Downer at the Waerenga-o-Kuri Quarry after experiencing what heavy industry job opportunities there were for girls at last year’s Girls With Hi-Vis (GWHV) event . Pictures supplied

This time last year Brodie Henry was preparing to finish at Gisborne Girls’ High and weighing up her career options.

She had some childcare experience so that was an option, but when she attended a Girls With Hi-Vis (GWHV) event at Downer Gisborne, it opened her eyes to new possibilities — and reawakened a childhood dream.

“I’ve wanted to be a truck driver since I was about five.”

After GWHV, Brodie wanted to gain work experience in the civil engineering industry with Downer Gisborne. The company then funded Brodie to get her restricted driver’s licence and, while she was still at school, arranged for her to work one day a week at the Downer Waerenga-o-Kuri Quarry west of Gisborne, as a quarry apprentice operator.

Since January Brodie has been with Downer Gisborne full-time, working on the crusher at Waerenga-o-Kuri Quarry breaking down material into gravel that will be used on work sites around the region, including those damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle.

At the GWHV event in 2022, Brodie saw women operators at work within Downer. The experience also made her appreciate the variety of work done by Downer and the different types of jobs within the company.

“One of the things I learned was that Downer is a lot more than traffic management, which is the part of the work that you mostly see.

“I would suggest to other girls who aren’t sure what they might want to do for a job, go to a Girls with Hi-Vis event, if you get the chance. You’ll get a lot out of the day, trying different skills you didn’t realise were options.

“This work really isn’t just for the males.”

One of the people Brodie met at last year’s Downer Gisborne GWHV event was Tayla Te Hau who is now mentoring Brodie in her work at Downer Waerenga-o-Kuri Quarry, particularly in aspects of working in a male-dominated team.

“There are still some people who think I can’t do the job just because I’m not male, but I just show them I can by doing it. And if I need help I will ask for it.”

Downer provides several programmes, including youth, new career pathways and leadership.

Brodie recently completed Te Rito, which is a career readiness programme to gain skills and qualifications to successfully transition into a full-time position with Downer.

This is a marae and classroom-based programme that connects all young Downer female employees around the country, so they are supported and connected with other women to share their experiences.

Brodie’s focus has been on getting up to speed on the crusher and Moxy trucks, getting her licences and simply enjoying the job.

“I love that it’s hands-on and every day is different.”

Downer performance and quality manager Trish Thomas said GWHV was a great initiative to help attract young women to the industry.

“We are always supportive of campaigns encouraging more staff, especially women. It’s a great industry to work in, with plenty of career options, and the GWHV events show students exactly what jobs they can do.

“Hosting a GWHV event opens the opportunity for female secondary students to gain hands-on experience and to hear from our wāhine who showcase their mahi and learn what career pathways there are within Downer.

“Women bring a range of skills to the industry — collaboration, curiosity, communication, and critical thinking. Women are naturally powerful in these areas which are vital skills in this industry.

Having women working in a male dominated industry creates a respected and calm environment. This minimises workplace incidents.

“Diversity within Downer is encouraged through our various strategies and values. The strength of culture and success go hand in hand.”

Downer will host the Gisborne event again on June 22.