Background
Armidale Regional Council faced recruitment challenges in traditionally male-dominated roles. Erin Smidt, Senior People and Culture Business Partner, and colleagues identified that women were an under-tapped half of the potential workforce and began targeted engagement to address the gap.
Program Overview: ‘Girls in Civil’
The council partnered with local schools to introduce female high-school students to civil construction and engineering careers through a structured three-day program delivered over consecutive Fridays to an initial cohort of 12 students.
Day 1: Site exposure
Students toured multiple council sites to see the breadth of occupations and work types available across civil and engineering functions.
Day 2: Skill and ticket
Participants completed an Elevated Work Platform ticket, working at a height of about 11 metres, and left with a recognised skill and qualification.
Day 3: Major project and mentoring
The group visited a major road restoration project valued at around $600 million, then met women in non-traditional roles over lunch to discuss pathways and breaking down barriers.
Inclusive Pathways
A similar program for First Nations women led to several participants moving into council roles. The team is considering a targeted pathway for high-school seniors to transition into full-time roles through cadetships.
Current Impact and Next Steps
The council now employs several female engineers who actively support the initiative. A proposed next step is to form an all-female crew of about five — a team leader, two plant operators, and two general hands — with mentors from across council to support onboarding. The aim is for members to graduate into mixed crews, improving gender balance across the operational workforce.
People and Culture
Erin Smidt describes a positive cultural shift at council with a stronger expectation of respect and equality. This change has enabled programs like ‘Girls in Civil’ and greater openness to organisational change.
Where to See More
Erin Smidt is speaking at the IPWEA International Public Works Conference at the ICC Sydney from 25–28 August.