The Women in Engineering Program at

UTS works for a supportive environment

for women in which to study and succeed

in the Engineering Profession.

For 26 years, the Women in Engineering

Program at the University of Technology,

Sydney, has been inspiring young women

to believe in their own potential to build

successful and rewarding careers in non-

traditional fields such as engineering and

construction. But is it enough to simply

believe? Through the mid 1980’s and 1990’s

young women did believe and the rate of

female enrolments in engineering courses

grew steadily, only to slow and plateau.

In recent years female enrolments have

dropped to just 15% nationally. How do

we continue to encourage young women

to become engineers while the women

before them have struggled with a reality

different to the one imagined? Could this

be why women make up just 8% of the

profession in Australia? And how could the

reality of working as a qualified engineer

after 5 years of intensive study be changed

to match what women want?

The low rate of recruitment and poor

retention of women in this critical

field has largely been missing from the

discourse and reporting on the national

skills shortage. This year, through their Year of Women in Engineering initiative, Engineers Australia has sought to raise the profile of engineering for young women, and to focus on the needs of professional women and what influences their decision to continue or leave engineering. Two major surveys, six years apart in 1999 and 2006, found the same top two concerns for women were – lack of flexibility in work conditions and workplace culture.

NAWIC support

NAWIC has been a great supporter of our program’s efforts to address recruitment of young women. This year

WHAT WomeNWANT

NAWIC NEW

S

Issue 69 Women in engineeringNAtIoNAL AssoCIAtIoN oF WomeN IN CoNstruCtIoN NsW

in this issueWhat Women Want 1

president’s Column 3

taronga Zoo site Visit 4

the Next Generation 5

Next steps Lunch 5

NAWIC National Conference 6

Profile – Ruth Kestermann 8

engineers Without Borders 9

Dates to remember 10

proFILe

ruthKestermann pAGe 8

DEC

EMBE

R 07

NAWIC hosted an information session

for senior high school students about

careers in the construction industry,

and also a networking evening where

our students were able to meet

members of NAWIC and link up

through student membership. The UTS

NAWIC Scholarship attracts many

talented applicants in construction-

related fields each year. This year,

Kimberley Pepperell, civil engineering

honours graduate was recognised

for her achievement at the NAWIC

Awards and the Faculty Prize Night. At

the annual Hands on Engineering Day

hosted by Women in Engineering at

UTS, Kimberley addressed an audience

of 170 female high school students

and their teachers.

A dozen of our engineering students

volunteer their time to lead and inspire

the next generation of engineering

students. By volunteering in the Women

in Engineering mentoring program,

schools outreach and networking events,

our students are extending themselves

and giving generously to the student and

schools communities. These are traits they

bring to their profession, and many of our

graduates return to share their stories

and insights with the generation

to follow. It’s important for UTS Women

in Engineering to strengthen our ties

with NAWIC, as our students look for

inspiration and motivation from women

in their chosen field - and also for current

intelligence on managing work and career

choices and ‘having a life’.

WHAT WoMEN WANT (CoNTINUED)

Improvements to workplace conditions and culture to better attract women to and retain women in non-traditional technical roles, including as engineers, can be achieved through leadership by NAWIC and by sponsor companies

FEMALE ENGINEERS AT THE UNIVERSITY oF TECHNoLoGY SYDNEY

NAWIC WITH UTS WoMEN IN ENGINEERING

Welcome to another issue of our NAWIC Newsletter. We have had a bumper couple of months as we reach the end of 2007! I am constantly reminded of why I became involved in NAWIC – it’s the contact and friendships I’ve made with some wonderful women that I would not ordinarily meet or work with. one such woman is penny morris. penny spoke at our Next steps boardroom lunch in early October. We heard many wonderful stories from Penny – but one message was really driven home. take advantage of unexpected opportunities and seize them.

the Conference at the Four seasons on the 19th october was a great example of how we can all get together to talk about and solve the issues that we face as working women balancing the many and varied facets of our lives. We have a centre page profile of the conference so make sure you read it.

As I told you last month, we are really wanting to make contact with students. We held a great session with the Women in engineering bunch at uts and also at uNsW with architecture, building and engineering students. We keep hearing of the need for more support and mentoring – we know employers want to recruit (and retain!) and from these sessions it’s clear that students are willing and ready to make contact with potential employers. this is one way NAWIC can help. through our networking and mentoring scheme, we can introduce people and also provide much needed support for women starting their careers in the construction and property industries.

Again, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any ideas, initiatives, questions or comments on how we can be more responsive to the needs of our members or just to have a chat at nsw@nawic.com.au.

All the best for the silly season – remember don’t drink and drive and take care of yourselves!

Cheers,

and organisations stepping up for accreditation by EoCW as an ‘Employer of Choice for Women’. This accreditation is valuable for winning the confidence of young people who are contemplating a career in the construction industry.

CoNCLusIoN

The above limitations present a potential catalyst for change only. A systemic approach is needed in education, training and human resources management to reverse the decline in the number of women entering engineering. This requires a new, comprehensive and strategic policy and serious resourcing, supported by leadership from government in co-operation with higher education and industry.

BroNWYN hoLLAND & meLIssA trANter

RESoURCES

APESMA Preliminary Women in the Professions Survey Report, available at www.apesma.asn.au/women/survey_report.asp

Ayre, M. (2001) The CREW Report: Careers Review of Engineering Women, Women Engineers: The Continuing Crusade: A review of the current literature, Transactions of Multi-disciplinary Engineering, Australia, GE 25, 1-34

Lewis, S., Harris, R., & Cox, B., (2007) Engineering a better workplace, a diversity guide for the engineering profession, National Women in Engineering Committee, Engineers Australia www.engineersaustralia.org.au

Gabrielle Cusack, Proj Manager for 2007 Year of Women in Engineering gcusack@engineersaustralia.org.au

UTS where every year is for women in engineering! www.eng.uts.edu.au/Educationandoutreach/wie/

Melissa Tranter, Project Co-ordinator Bronwyn Holland, Program Director,

Women in Engineering, UTS.

President’s CoLumN December 07

With no better way of starting the

day than being surrounded by animals

and overlooking the harbour with

champagne in one hand and bacon and

egg roll in the other, twenty NAWIC

members toured the soon to be

opened Taronga Zoo Great Southern

oceans exhibit on the 7th August 2007.

The hour long site tour highlighted

the construction expertise of Reed

Constructions Australia in undertaking

such a unique project. All members

visiting the site were amazed by the

size and scope of works undertaken

to complete this project as well as the

overall finished look and feel.

The walk itself covered all areas of

the new exhibit from the leopard

seal pools to the penguin encounter

areas as well as the new 1000 seat

performance theatre. We also heard

about the engineering feat overcome

during construction and the huge

job to come in the future with water

treatment playing a big role.

An afternoon tour also took place on

the same day.

The Great Southern oceans exhibit

is due to open to the public in

February 2008 and is set to become

one of the year’s most exciting

tourist attractions and these lucky

forty NAWIC members got to see

if first. Don’t miss your opportunity

to get along to the next NAWIC

members only event.

KRIsty ReIlly

TARoNGA ZooSite Visit

THE GREAT SoUTHERN oCEANS ExHIBIT

THE GREAT SoUTHERN oCEANS ExHIBIT

At our Next Steps lunch, we heard from Penny Morris about the sacrifices and challenges of being a woman in high level corporate Australia. The lunch was designed for women in senior roles planning the next steps in their career, in particular, how to reach senior executive and director roles.

Penny’s experience at senior levels of government and corporations including the Federal Department of Administrative Services, Landcom and Lend Lease, highlighted many of the issues that we face breaking through the glass ceiling.

Her key message was to take advantage of unexpected opportunities – go for it and make things happen for yourself.

An interesting story Penny shared was how she and her husband decided on where to live (as each had their own opportunities in different cities), what jobs to take and how to share the load. They devised a simple list of pros and cons - their decision was based on what was best for the family as a whole and “whose turn it was to have a go.”

The greatest challenge many women face is juggling family and career. Penny has had the support of her family and mentors throughout her career which has enabled her to succeed.

Penny has kindly agreed to speak to our members again to address many of the

questions not covered, which we all look forward to.

Thanks to Penny and also, our hosts, Thompson Playford, for a wonderful and inspiring luncheon.

Next steps LuNCh with penny morrisAm

As many of you know, NAWIC is currently focused on developing its services and exploring initiatives for the younger women in our industry and ensuring they can also benefit from NAWIC.

uts stuDeNt NIGht

together with uts Women in engineering, NAWIC held an informal information session with women in the engineering student body. We had many enthusiastic women at the session ranging from 1st year civil engineering students to masters students. It was a relaxed evening with several NAWIC members taking time out to talk to the students about their thoughts, concerns and issues and how NAWIC can assist in the transition from student to working life.

We also gave away places to the NAWIC National Conference to several lucky students. these places were sponsored by security for Women so our many thanks to them.

uNsW stuDeNt NIGht

thanks to the superb efforts of Felicity Carten, Architecture student at uNsW, and Jim plume, head of school of the Built environment, we had a strong turn out at our student night on 24th october. students from Building and Construction, Architecture and engineering came along to eat pizza and chat with NAWIC women about their ambitions, fears, and thoughts on their future in the construction and property industry.

overwhelmingly, the answer was mentoring and networking. the students we spoke with were very interested in the Constructive mentoring program and our events such as site visits and education seminars.

the NAWIC women did a great job in engaging with all those that attended and we had 26 sign up as members on the night! A huge effort so thanks to all involved. NAWIC will continue to hold events at prices that will ensure students get the most from their

memberships and have the opportunity to network with the wider industry.

If you’d like to get involved there is a special two for one offer at the moment for student membership to NAWIC at the price of $30.00. A more financially attractive proposition for students as well as providing a friend or buddy to attend NAWIC functions with! For more information email info@nawic.com.au

sPeAKINg At sChOOls AND uNIVersItIes

NAWIC is committed to supporting all women in the construction industry. We would like to ensure that future members of the construction industry are aware of the support, and networking opportunities, both at student level and during their careers, that they can receive from NAWIC. If you are speaking to university or high school students, please direct them to the NAWIC website at www.nawic.com.au and encourage them to take part in our great industry.

THE NextGeneration

PENNY MoRRIS WITH THoMPSoN PLAYFoRD

the CurreNt sItuAtIoN

The first plenary session concentrated on the current issues for the industry, in particular the unprecedented growth in the construction sector and the consequent need to attract and retain good people.

The panel included Tony Constantino, Managing Director of Bovis Lend Lease, Valerie Francis, University of Melbourne and Brian Seidler, Executive Director, Master Builders Association NSW, all of whom acknowledged that alongside

WoMEN DELIVERING THE FUTURE

the NAWIC National Conference was held at the Four seasons hotel in sydney

on 19 october and was a great success. there was a fantastic turn out and a full day of

discussion and discourse was enjoyed on the challenges ahead for the construction industry.

the positive growth in the sector, the industry’s major challenge was to address both the image of the construction profession and the shortfall of people joining it.

Brian Seidler noted that, over the next five years, the industry would experience a shortfall of approximately 36,000 tradespeople, whilst Tony Constantino described the ongoing challenge to find the number of skilled people required for the amount of jobs being generated.

of particular interest was Valerie Francis’ observation that statistics

showed that more women were entering the trades in the mid 1970s and 1980s than they are today and that the majority of females in the construction industry perform a clerical or administrative role.

DeLIVerING A VIABLe Future

The second session of the day saw Brian Seidler, Robert Care, CEo, ARUP and Chloe Bryce, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Cement Australia, pick up on the identity crisis of the profession that had been discussed

earlier and highlight the need to actively promote professions to women candidates.

The need for companies to systematically and strategically advance the image of the construction industry was recognised. All speakers pointed to the need for employers to actively promote a work/life balance along with the need to bring a diversity of people to the industry. In addition emphasis was placed on both mentoring and networking opportunities. The development of role models was seen as key to ensuring continued professional growth for women in the industry at the same time as making it attractive to a younger generation.

the AFterNooN

our keynote speaker after lunch was Lucy Turnbull who wowed us with her achievements and breadth of experience whilst giving clear advice on the need for women to support and foster other women within the industry.

Throughout the afternoon there were concurrent break out sessions exploring sustainability and its impact on the industry, women’s contribution to sustainability, solutions for affordable housing, mentoring, career advancement and financial management.

NAtIoNAL CrYstAL VIsIoN AWArD

The conference concluded with a cocktail party celebrating this year’s winners of the Crystal Vision Award from each state and culminated in the announcement of the 2006/2007 National Crystal Vision Award winner, Rilla Moore.

The evening also saw Jennifer Bicknell being honoured with a NAWIC Lifetime Membership in recognition for all that Jennifer has contributed over her years of involvement with NAWIC.

our thanks to Rider Levett Bucknall, sponsor of the Crystal Vision Awards and to all of the conference sponsors for contributing to the success of NAWIC’s second national conference in Australia.

mICheLLe puNCh

PRoFILE ruthKestermannBEng (Civil) Hons seNIor struCturAL eNGINeer, ARUP

Briefly describe your role at Arup and what you enjoy about your role on a daily basis.As a Senior Structural Engineer at ARUP, I work as part of the building structures team, working on various different types of building projects. My role can begin at scheme design phase, interpreting the requirements of the client and other members of the design team, and can continue through to analysis of the structure in detailed design and finally to construction monitoring. I enjoy working with both clients and architects, solving problems efficiently to help produce a great building that meets their requirements.

What initially attracted you to this industry?I was better at science and maths at school, but liked the idea of being

involved in applied science. I wanted to be able to see my efforts at the end of the process, literally. The thought of helping to make a building that would be of use to other people was great.

I was also interested in doing development work and knew civil engineering was a sought after skill overseas as well as in Australia.

Describe your first job in this field and what career path has led you to the job you currently have.My first job in engineering was in Essex, in the UK. I worked on the Medway Bridge strengthening project in Kent. A large component of my work was travelling to site to take measurements of the existing structure. It was over Christmas, so very cold and windy, especially when I was taking measurements on scaffolding beneath

the bridge soffit. I remember sheets of paper blowing away in the wind because my fingers were too cold to hold them and having to do the measurements again.

I had completed my honours thesis in steel structures, and after this first job I realised structures was definitely the path I wanted to take. My next job in the UK was highway design, which I left due to my desire to get back into structural engineering.

how has being a woman in a male dominated industry impacted or influenced your career?At times I have found it tough, since certain personalities that I have come across have been very aggressive towards women, especially when things were going wrong for them. I have often felt that starting out as a young

THE NATIoNAL PoRTRAIT GALLERY SITE TAKEN FRoM THE HIGH CoURT

If you have great intentions but are not sure how to implement them, or whether anyone else in the industry feels the same way, you should get in touch with Engineers Without Borders (EWB). EWB Australia works with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through education and the implementation of sustainable engineering projects. EWB use the resources already available in communities to develop programs which meet the human needs that they identify for themselves. Technologies that can be implemented and maintained using local skills and materials are essential to meet the basic life needs of disadvantaged communities.

Programs exist in Australia, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.

Since its establishment in Australia in 2003, EWB membership has reached 2300 members, and continues to increase as new professional and university chapters are started by passionate engineers. Visit the website www.ewb.org.au to find about your local chapter and their upcoming programs.

eWB DeVeLopmeNt experIeNCe to INDIA or the phILIppINes, JAN 2008

The EWB Development Experience is an annual study tour in which aspiring development engineers can gain an insight into the challenges of disadvantaged communities and the role of engineering and technology in creating change. In addition to gaining first-hand experience towards your future career in international development you will have the opportunity to make great friendships and a genuine difference in the world.

In addition to the secondment to the Philippines we now have the privilege to offer our members the opportunity to join an additional study tour to India!

meLIssA trANter eNGINeers WIthout BorDers

uNIVersItY oF teChNoLoGY, sYDNeY

resourCes

Engineers Without Borders Australia Brochure

5 WAYs toengineer A Better World . . . WITH ENGINEERS WITHoUT BoRDERS

1 Embark on an EWB Development Experience to India or the Philippines.

2 Inspire school students to become the next generation of sustainable engineers through the EWB High School outreach program

3 Have fun with like minded people at an EWB event

4 Make your good intentions a reality by becoming an EWB member or making a donation

5 Visit www.ewb.org.au to find out more.

female engineer it can take longer to get some men to take you seriously. I always told myself it was just a matter of time until they realised that I was as talented an engineer, even though I didn’t look like the stereotype. I think that stereotypes are changing, and hopefully disappearing. Starting out in a job can be hard for anyone so having extra pressures can be demoralising.

Getting older I think I have gained more confidence in all aspects of my life, and have learnt not to take things personally.

I do appreciate men on site apologising profusely when they swear in front of me – since being a lady I’ve obviously never heard that type of language before!

Do you have an anecdote that would describe why you love your work and encourage other women to consider this career?For me the most satisfying part of being a structural engineer is visiting site to see the building transform from two dimensions on paper, to a solid frame which encloses a unique space.

THE NATIoNAL PoRTRAIT GALLERY SITE TAKEN FRoM A HoT AIR BALLooN.

Cou

rtes

y of

Can

berr

a T

imes

stAYING IN touCh

Construction Critters NAWIC’s parents group. The group is aimed

at maintaining your construction network while

on maternity/paternity leave and give you

somewhere to talk “shop” with like minds. For

more information contact Natasha on 0408 432

550 or Sharon on 0422 032 449.They meet

on the second Friday of each month. The next

Construction Critters gathering is 10.30 – 12.30,

Friday14 December, Centennial Park Playground

at Paddington Gates.

A CAutIoNArY WorD

At NAWIC (NSW) we like to capture the

moments of networking fun that we have at

our events. Therefore we would like to notify

all our members and guests that unless you

mention to us, at the time that a photo is

taken, that you would prefer for your photo

not to be used, we will assume that we have

your permission to use the photo on either

our website or in our newsletter.

DatestoRememberDeCemBer 4 end of Year Drinks, Customs house All

FeBruArY site tour with Built members

mArCh Golf Day All

site tour with Arup members

AprIL site tour with Austcorp members

mAY Autumn Lunch with rilla moore, Crystal Vision Winner, Four seasons hotel, sydney

All

JuNe Finance seminar with macquarie Bank All

JuLY Next steps Lunch 2 with penny morris members

AuGust 21 Nawic Awards Night at Luna park All

septemBer site tour with stockland members

oCtoBer mock Debate All

NoVemBer site tour members

DeCemBer end of Year Drinks All

Links and references we Like

www.nbsaonline.com www.emergencyarchitects.org.au www.ewb.org.au

www.raia.com.au www.security4women.com www.engineersaustralia.org.au

www.architectureforhumanity.org/programs/Settlements/index.html www.architectsforpeace.org

www.habitat.org.au www.ofw.facs.gov.au/index2.htm www.adpsr.org

www.aib.org.au www.designcorps.org/Home.htm www.apesma.asn.au

ournextnewsletter

... INFLueNtIAL WomeN IN CoNstruCtIoN In response to issues raised at the National Conference, our next newsletter will be profiling women who are positive role models within the industry. Nominations are welcome! If there is someone who has inlfuenced or inspired you in your career let us know, nsw@nawic.com.au

NAWIC ChApter CouNCIL 2007

president Annie Tennant, Lend Lease Communities

Vice president Simone Concha, Advanced Environmental

secretaryMichaela Brown, Arup

treasurer Michelle Caldwell-Shaw, Bovis Lend Lease

National Directors Catherine Morton, SKMSandra Steele, Bovis Lend LeaseLetitia Hope, FDC

Awards Sarah Hogan, MPA Projects

Newsletter Michelle Punch, Lend Lease Communities

membershipKristy Reilly, Reed Constructions

eventsEvian Delfabbro, FKP

sponsorship/marketingLetitia Hope, FDC Fleur Mellor, Bovis Lend Lease

mentoring Darlene van der Breggen, SoPA

National Conference Catherine Hart, Stockland

General Council Kate Melrose, Lend LeaseAnne-Marie Kiernan, Minter EllisonAnna Montag, ArupIsabella Allen, Sage AllenDavina Rooney, StocklandMichelle Bentley, Brazil Clean

thanks to our sponsors

NAWIC News Designed by JoDIosborne0413 943 982