Transpower supports young women in ShadowTech day 2018

GIRLS IN Years nine to 11 taking part in ShadowTech 2018 visited Transpower offices in late May to see just what the SOE does. The programme connects girls at school with women working in the tech sector, who act as mentors. Secondary school students get to spend a day with the woman in tech, experiencing a day in the life of an IT professional.

The objective is to see an increase in the number of females who choose STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related subjects at a secondary and tertiary level and ultimately choose a career in tech.

Transpower says it has a lot to offer the students who attend, with activity in each of the STEM disciplines. The power company first supported ShadowTech last year in Wellington and this year added its Otahuhu (Auckland) office. Chief Executive Alison Andrew says the organisation wanted to provide further support for this year’s event.

“Last ShadowTech day we saw students really engage with our people and gain insights into where their studies could take them. This year we have reached out to a higher number of schools, as we want to broaden our reach and inspire more young women. We want to show them various career pathways to success in areas that need diversity of thought.

“While we’re seeing more women studying technology and engineering, we still have some work to do to attract and retain more women in the workplace. Diversity is good for business and one of the ways we can improve these numbers is to promote the many career opportunities available to young women.

“As with most industries, advancements in technology are changing the engineering profession and creating lots of new and interesting job opportunities for our young people.

“We’re hoping our continued support of ShadowTech will further encourage young women to consider the technology and engineering sectors as they make positive decisions about their future.”