Introducing hi-viz occupations to female secondary school students

Cadence Nom from Lytton High School at the controls of an excavator with Downer’s TJ Wharerimu at last year’s GWHV day. Picture by Liam Clayton

Female secondary school students are donning hi-viz vests and turning their hand to driving diggers and trucks, climbing power poles and checking out some of New Zealand’s largest energy generating assets while they suss out a career in the infrastructure industry.

Following on last year’s success, this month’s series of Girls with Hi-Vis® (GWHV) events aims to attract young women to the industry and will see close to 800 students from 80 schools – including 35 schools involved for the first time – experiencing what the infrastructure industry has to offer as a career.

“If we are to effectively address critical skills shortages within infrastructure industries, and meet the future needs of our communities, it is clear we must be more visible precisely where and when young people are making crucial career decisions,” Connexis Te Pūkenga executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger said.

Over the coming month more than 30 events will be hosted by different companies throughout New Zealand, including a June 22 event at Downer’s Gisborne depot.

“At these events, students hear directly from inspirational women already working in the sector, and are given hands-on experience at skills needed in infrastructure jobs, such as working with specialised tools and operating heavy vehicles or machinery.

“But perhaps, most importantly, GWHV opens their minds to the possibility and helps them build relationships with key, often large, employers in their own local area.”

GWHV showcases the day-to-day roles of those tradespeople keeping our communities connected and provides an understanding of the career opportunities within their local community within infrastructure’s civil, energy, telecommunications and water industries.

For the first time this year some of the GWHV events incorporate the construction industry with BCITO Te Pūkenga, the construction training provider and EarnLearn | Te Pūkenga who cover specialist trades such as scaffolding, plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying, and electrical.

“There are many opportunities available. Women can begin their career in infrastructure ‘hands-on’ out in the field and progress from there, or if they have suitable skills and experience they can start at management level straight away or gain on-site experience while progressing through their university training. The options and possibilities are endless,” Kaarin said.

Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School, Gisborne Girls High School, Campion College and Lytton High School are registered to take part.