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ARTC gets OK to recruit ‘women only’ in Hunter Valley
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has received exemption from the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW to specifically hire women for track maintenance roles across the Hunter Valley, starting this week.
The exemption was sought to help with the Company’s aim of having 30 per cent of its workforce as women by 2020 and aligns with ARTC’s overall Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
ARTC’s workforce currently comprises only 18 per cent women, a figure ARTC CEO John Fullerton says needs to improve. In the Hunter Valley, that number is 12 per cent.
“Increasing the diversity of our workforce is a must in today’s competitive business environment,” Mr Fullerton said.
“We recognise that a talented and diverse workforce is fundamental to building a commercially strong, innovative and customer-focused organisation.
“The rail industry is heavily male-dominated and our workforce, particularly in the field, is largely male. When recruiting for track roles the vast majority of applicants are also male.
“As a result, businesses like ours must lead from the front to enable change; that’s why we are taking this approach with our recruitment campaign.”
ARTC successfully obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit for the female field worker positions.
“A more diverse workforce leads to greater innovation and creativity, develops stronger problem solving skills through different ways of thinking and increases morale, motivation and engagement,” said Mr Fullerton.
“Put simply, greater diversity leads to better business results.”
The Anti-Discrimination Act exemption remains in force for a period of two years from 6 July 2015.
ARTC are initially hiring up to ten roles in the Hunter Valley, with Infrastructure Maintainer and Signalling Maintainer positions available in Muswellbrook, Maitland, Scone and Newcastle (Port Waratah).
An information session will be held at ARTC’s Muswellbrook maintenance centre on Sunday, 27 September from 11:00am – 1:00pm to help potential applicants learn more about the positions and ARTC.
The recruitment campaign launches 21-27 September, national Rail Careers Week.
New career opportunities for Hunter women
- A number of Infrastructure Maintainer and Signal Installer Certifier positions are available and ARTC is specifically targeting suitable female applicants
- The roles are Newcastle (Port Waratah), Maitland, Scone and Muswellbrook based
- No specific experience is required as we will provide training
- We have flexible working arrangements and there are opportunities for part time and job share roles for the Infrastructure Maintainer positions
- We are seeking motivated, hard-working, mechanically-minded women who are happy to get their hands dirty to ensure we are running a safe and reliable network for our customers.
- Applicants will need to be comfortable working outside
- The roles would suit women who may have recently lost their jobs in the mines or have had recent work experience in a mechanical or industrial environment
- To find out more:
Information Session:
ARTC Muswellbrook office,
Victoria Street
Sunday 27 September 2015 11am-1pm.
Register at jobs.artc.com.au