International Women in Engineering Day and Swish Fibre

At Swish Fibre we understand the importance of equality and diversity in the workforce, which is why we have long-championed women entering the once male-dominated world of engineering.

As a telecoms enterprise, we have many staff working in engineering-related roles and have seen our field-based teams benefit from more female staff members bringing their knowledge and experience to their work.

For International Women in Engineering Day we've spoken to three of our field-based staff about what they do, how they got started on their career path, and why initiatives like IWED are so important.

Stassi West is a Trainee Fibre Surveyor at Swish.

Hi Stassi. What do you find most interesting about your role?

"Since starting as a Trainee Fibre Surveyor I have sought out to learn about every aspect of the role. The day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of a fibre surveyor fascinate me, as well as the broader issues around market activity and local competition."

Stassi: "I am excited to see how our next generation of ambitious, strong-willed women perform."

What do you think is stopping more women from moving into engineering and surveyor type of jobs?

"I think that more women are deterred from moving into engineering roles due to the current masculine culture and outdated connotation that these jobs are manly. Despite the disproportionate number of men still actively in the engineering industry, more and more women have now been exposed to this industry through educational marketing and word of mouth (such as personal recommendations)."

How are initiatives like International Women In Engineering Day helpful to women looking for a career like yours?

"Such initiatives are helpful, as they give young women an opportunity to explore a career option that they may not have seriously considered otherwise. Additionally, International Women in Engineering Day is particularly helpful for young women as it supports women taking the plunge in seeking out these type of jobs; celebrating and recognising their achievements within a dynamic industry. Such acknowledgement can lend a positive influence, especially towards young women who may be undecided on their future career or who may not have full confidence to embark on this career path.

"Due to the exposure from these initiatives, the number of women in this sector has risen year on year. Personally, I am excited to see how our next generation of ambitious, strong-willed women perform and to see the heights which we can all reach."

Micaela Keddie is a Project Supervisor. She has been at Swish Fibre for nearly two years.

Hi Micaela. How did you first become interested in being a project supervisor?

"I have always had an interest in construction, however my interest in becoming a project supervisor started when I was part of the PIA team for Swish. I got to sit in on the meetings with project managers, the supervisors and heads of delivery. I loved watching them build the network and overcome issues they faced on a daily basis.

"I also have a passion for the environment and becoming a project supervisor, I am working my way towards a project manager and hopefully can one day get to incorporate my passion for the environment and construction."

Micaela: "Women have to work a lot harder within the construction department to prove themselves and the knowledge that we have."

What do you think is stopping more women from moving into engineering and project supervisor type of jobs?