Yurika’s Executive General Manager Carly Irving said partnering with UNIQ YOU’s dedicated program would help provide girls with wider career choices and inspire them to become part of the transformational energy industry.
“The utilities sector has about 22 per cent female participation overall, so there is a fantastic opportunity for us to encourage a higher number of women into the industry” she said.
“Fundamental to our diversity and inclusion strategy is our aim is to create a place where everyone belongs and puts people at the heart of all we do. We hope creating this diverse and inclusive culture will encourage more women to consider working in the energy industry.”
“Through this program, we’re looking forward to connecting teenage girls with motivational women who are recognised leaders in a range of fields including engineering, field operations and technology.”
“Attracting and retaining new and emergent talent will ensure we’re well-placed for a sustainable and successful future that enables innovation, better problem solving and improved business results. We’re really looking forward to the many benefits that this partnership will offer us.”
Today, only 27.2% of electricity supply staff are women (WGEA 2021), a statistic that still has some way to go to reach a 50:50 target.
UNIQ YOU Non-Executive Company Director Matt Lee said the goal for the first year was to connect high school aged female students with industry-based advisors.
“If we don’t ensure there is a pipeline of young girls, both prepared and confident about joining the workforce, in under-represented industries and/or roles we just won’t move the dial on gender diversity.” Matt Said,
“The UNIQ YOU solution is long overdue to help schools, girls, Career Officers and corporations to build a female pipeline for the future.”
During its first year in Queensland, UNIQ YOU is aiming to facilitate more than 600 video calls with female advisors working in industries and roles currently under-represented by women.
Yurika will be offering women in their team the opportunity to ‘give back’ by advising high school girls one on one about their experiences and insight.
“It’s also an opportunity for the schools’ career and guidance officers to learn more about the range of roles energy companies like Yurika have to offer,” Carly said.
“I’m confident this level of engagement will help encourage young women to consider working in the energy sector.”