Counties Energy empowers future female leaders

Counties Energy has recently hosted an event to encourage more wāhine (females) to join the power distribution industry.

The Girls with Hi-Vis (GWHV) event, held in collaboration with Connexis at Counties Energy’s Pukekohe office and yard, aimed to raise awareness among wāhine about the diverse career opportunities in the power distribution industry and the exciting prospects it offers.

Eighteen bright and enthusiastic students from Tuakau College, Pukekohe High School and Wesley College, accompanied by four teachers, had the opportunity to hear firsthand from the company’s employees and learn about the operations at Counties Energy.  Through engaging in hands-on activities, the students gained valuable insights into the industry.  Counties Energy’s employees, including female engineers and line mechanics shared their journeys and wisdom, further enriching the experience.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Counties Energy General Manager Safety, Culture and Sustainability Tracey Kay emphasised the broader impact of inclusive initiatives.

“The Girls with Hi-Vis event highlights our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion here at Counties Energy and within the wider industry.  By providing young wāhine with a forum to learn more about our field and the vast opportunities it offers, we are not only helping to shape their future but also encouraging this talent into our industry and enriching it with fresh perspectives and diverse skills.”

Participants learnt more about the engineering side of the business, as well as its practical applications, including machinery demonstrations and operating cable locators.

Connexis is the country’s leading infrastructure training provider.  Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says: “It is still far too rare that these types of roles are presented as really viable career options to young women.  We find when they do learn more about the scale of infrastructure industries and the vast range of careers available, there is a huge level of interest from students getting ready to leave school.”

Counties Energy is committed to continuing efforts like the Girls with Hi-Vis event to empower and inspire the next generation of female leaders in the energy distribution industry.