Powered up for an engineering career

YOUNG women are being encouraged to chase careers in the traditionally maledominated profession of engineering, with Hydro Tasmania saying it’s no longer a “boys’ club”.

Hydro Tasmania has joined forces with not-for-profit organisation Power of Engineering to offer a program that inspires young women to see the field as an opportunity to innovate, find solutions and create a positive future.

The program will offer two free one-day events.

Hydro Tasmania CEO Steve Davy said the energy industry has made some inroads in recent years towards more balance in the work field but that there was plenty more to do.

“We want to ensure aspiring female engineers have a clear and confident career path, and feel appreciated by would-be employers,” he said.

“They need to know that engineering’s no longer a boys’ club, that a strong career is within their reach.”

Despite the importance of technology-based innovation to find solutions to real-world problems, it remains a struggle to attract young people — and particularly young women — to careers based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Hydro Tasmania said.

The partnership with Power of Engineering aims to encourage female students to participate in STEM subjects and supports tertiary pathways by connecting local schools, universities and industry.

The students will also get a tour of Hydro Tasmania’s workshop at Cambridge and the Trevallyn Power Station.