You can't be what you can't see

You can’t be what you can’t see - this sentiment is something that rings true, especially for young women who are considering joining a largely male-dominated industry like ours.  

To help inspire the next generation of women in operations and show them what could be, we recently supported the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO) “When I Grow Up” event, hosted at Woodside’s office in Perth.  

The event bought parents and school-aged girls together to hear from a panel of inspiring women from a range of operational roles, who shared their school and career journeys.  

One of the four panellists was our very own Kate Baker, Project Manager for M&IS Mining Minerals Southern Region, based at Albemarle’s Kemerton Lithium Plant in the South West.  

Kate has not only successfully tendered some of our large-scale projects including Alcoa’s Crusher Relocation, but she is also a strong advocate for supporting young women in the industry, taking every opportunity she can to share her story.  

“Growing up in WA’s South West as the eldest of three girls, I feel like I was destined to become an engineer having always imagined following in my dad’s footsteps,” Kate said during the discussion panel.  

Studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Western Australia, she was one of only 7 females in a cohort of 52 students studying mechanical engineering. Kate was no stranger to being in male-dominated classrooms having been the only girl studying physics and applicable mathematics at school.  

“It’s important to engage young girls at primary school age while they still have that curiosity and want to learn about the world. I want them to hear and understand this is an industry that you can do whatever you want in, whether that’s being an engineer or in a trade – really convincing them that gender isn’t any barrier to a career in this industry.”  

 “I also want to share the message that it doesn’t matter what your background is, you’re welcome and we want you here,” she said.  

Monadelphous employees who brought their children along to the event had only positive feedback, with one of them stating their daughter added “Engineer” to the list of things she wants to be when she grows up.  

Through our corporate partnership with NAWO, you can become a member and get access to more events like this one, as well as networking opportunities, webinars and mentoring, and a range of resources. Click here to register for your free membership!