Non-traditional pathways for women showcased at Shell Geelong Refinery

The all-female group of students visited the refinery’s Safety Centre and saw first-hand how women can succeed in non-traditional jobs such as electricians, operators, engineers and environmental scientists.

Students formed small groups to visit information booths where women from across the refinery discussed opportunities, and how to survive and thrive in non-traditional roles.

This is the third visit from Flinders Peak Secondary College, and there are already positive signs students are taking up the challenge.

Since Melissa Pentreath participated in a school visit in 2005, she has joined the VET Engineering Program and with the support of Shell, gains valuable work experience each week in the Geelong Refinery workshop.

“I thought engineering would be a good thing to get into and I like the hands-on work.  This VET Engineering Course gives me that hands-on experience and I get to go out in the workforce.  Being in the Shell support program means if I need help, I know there is someone I can go to,” said Ms Pentreath.

Aaron Lamers, Shell Geelong Refinery Human Resources Manager, said: “We aim to encourage young women to consider jobs outside the norm, such as engineering and trades, and want young women to believe any career path is possible.

“Women have the potential to succeed in every type of job at the Geelong Refinery but, there is still a gender imbalance within the manufacturing industry because not enough younger women choose study in technical fields such as science or engineering, or trade qualifications.

“We hope this imbalance can be addressed by raising awareness in students before they choose final year subjects, and by encouraging women to apply for apprenticeships and our graduate program,” said Mr Lamers.

Peter Wilson, a Flinders Peak Secondary College teacher, agrees the visits are a great way to showcase career paths in areas such as trades, which girls may not know about or have the opportunity to be exposed to.

"Flinders Peak Secondary School is very supportive of encouraging and developing skills in more technical areas for young women. Our excursion to Shell is about providing opportunities for our students to explore these non-traditional career pathways," Mr Wilson said.

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For further information contact:

Peta Leveritt - (03) 5273 8647 or 0410 425 805