For release |8 February 2011
Women forge Powerful Pathways in electro-technology
Women in northern and western Adelaide are being invited to apply for a unique preemployment program to set themselves up for a successful career in the electro-technology
industry.
Now in its second year, the Powerful Pathways for Women program is designed to provide
women with a range of industry-specific skills and knowledge, covering topics such as
electro-skills, information technology and women’s studies, combined with one week of
practical training at the ETSA Utilities Davenport Training Centre in Port Augusta.
ETSA Utilities Chief Executive Rob Stobbe said the program is collaboratively supported by
ETSA Utilities, the Australian Government, Northern Futures, the Government of South Australia
through the Land Management Corporation, the City of Playford, and TafeSA North.
“This program has been specifically designed to overcome some of the barriers to increasing
female participation in the traditionally male-dominated electro-technology field,” Rob said.
“Out of the ten women that undertook the program last year a number have secured
traineeships in the electro-technology industry and employment in mining.
“Successfully completing the program provides participants with the knowledge they need
to pursue a career within the industry and the confidence to apply for Powerline or Electrical
Apprenticeships at organisations like ETSA Utilities.
“Participants will undertake five months of integrated training in Certificate I in ElectroCommunications, Certificate I in Information Technology and Certificate II in Women’s
Education at TAFE SA Elizabeth or Regency Campus. Participants will then undertake
Certificate II Electro-technology, which is a widely sought after pre-cursor to gaining an
apprenticeship. Additional support, by way of a dedicated mentor, will be provided by
Women’s Education TafeSA North.”
Dot Crawford, Project Coordinator Northern Futures says now is a great time for women to
think about a career in electro-technology.
“Electro-technology is an important growth industry with huge potential for ongoing
employment, particularly in high unemployment regions,” she said.
Gaynor Bowers, a graduate of the 2011 program who has just commenced an Electrical
Apprenticeship with ETSA Utilities, says the program has been invaluable.
ETSA Utilities is South Australia’s electricity distributor, delivering electricity to more than 820,000 customers. We are one of South
Australia’s largest organisations, employing about 1800 people throughout metropolitan and regional SA. ETSA Utilities is 51%
owned by Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Limited and Power Assets Holdings Ltd, which form part of the Cheung Kong
Group of companies. The remaining 49% is owned by ASX-listed Spark Infrastructure.
-2“Doing this course has changed my life. It has given me a career and a future for me and
my family. I now have confidence to do other things in my life. I feel like I can achieve
anything now,” she said.
The program will commence in March 2012 and is open to women living in the northern and
western regions of Adelaide. It is fully-funded by the program partners to ensure it is
accessible to all women in these areas, regardless of their circumstances.
The program will run full-time from 5 March – 20 July 2012. For further information, telephone
Northern Futures on 1800 619 933.
ETSA Utilities media contact: 0403 582 500
ETSA Utilities is South Australia’s electricity distributor, delivering electricity to more than 820,000 customers. We are one of South
Australia’s largest organisations, employing about 1800 people throughout metropolitan and regional SA. ETSA Utilities is 51%
owned by Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Limited and Power Assets Holdings Ltd, which form part of the Cheung Kong
Group of companies. The remaining 49% is owned by ASX-listed Spark Infrastructure.