Workshops to help women break into the workforce

Pilbara women are being encouraged to break into the workforce and break down barriers in workshops hosted by the National Association of Women in Operations.

Visiting the region for the first time, NAWO has combined forces with BHP to host a roadshow in Port Hedland and Newman to help women be proactive with their career.

Open to all members of the community, attendees will hear from influential speakers and participate in interactive workshops designed to help use past professional experience to leverage future career opportunities.

NAWO chair Megan McCracken said the not-for-profit organisation was excited to extend their work into regional areas such as the Pilbara.

“One of things we do is aim to do provide our program in city as well as the regions across Australia,” she said.

“I know so many regional women crying out for this kind of support and encourage it as well.

“What we have found is whenever we go to regional Australia we are getting bowled over with support and need for these programs.”

With two free workshops held in each of the Pilbara towns, attendees will hear from senior coach of the Fremantle Dockers Women’s team Michelle Cowan, NAWO State Committee member Aileen Armstrong and BHP employees.

“What we do is provide encouragement and professional development for women to get into operational businesses - the ones that tend to be male dominated such as mining and infrastructure,” Ms McCracken said.

“We’d like to see a lot more women in middle management and senior roles, like the women at BHP speaking at the workshops.”

Ms McCracken also said the women’s organisation encouraged men to join to spread the message and education.

The roadshow will be in Port Hedland this Monday and Tuesday at the Wanangkurra Stadium followed by Newman on Thursday and Friday at the Newman Recreation Centre.

For more information on NAWO, the roadshow and how to get involved, visit http://www.nawo.org.au