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Our Stories 15 July 2021

Supporting our women in operations as a proud member of NAWO

We strongly believe in the benefits of achieving gender balance at every level of our organisation.

For Bis Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Richard Barley, creating equitable opportunities to attract, develop and retain female employees across all levels and roles is a win-win situation. 

“Increasing the diversity of our workforce makes good business sense. It is then important to leverage our diversity in practical ways to truly realise the value of diversity.

“We already have some incredibly capable women working across our operations and we are looking forward to welcoming more women of equal capability into the Bis team.

“Training and career progression are key aspects of our culture and there are many entry points into the industry. Whether you’re straight out of school, looking to change careers, or returning from maternity leave to just name a few – we have a range of opportunities available to support you achieve your career goals.

At Bis’ Underground Services business in Tomago, NSW, the first female Apprentice Plant Mechanics joined the main underground equipment workshop in 2018. They graduate the four-year apprenticeship with Plant Mechanics - AUR31216 - Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology which sets them up for a long-term career with Bis or within the Heavy Earth Moving industry.

Over in WA, female trainees are carving out careers at our Karara iron ore mine site, operating a range of assets in Bis’ fleet of specialised earthmoving equipment including dump trucks, loader, water cart, skid steers, and control cabs. Further North in the east Pilbara region, one of Bis’ plant operators, Yvette, is routinely operating T1250 side tippers, Komatsu WA900-8 and Cat 992K loaders at the Roy Hill iron ore mine.

Across the Timor Sea in Indonesia, the first two classes of female operators graduated from Bis’ Trainee Program in 2020 and 2021 – 100% of whom were offered full time employment positions after graduation.

As part of our commitment to growing a more diverse workplace, we’re proud to have joined the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO).

NAWO is the leading national network for women in operations with a community of like-minded leaders, individuals and organisations that are advocating for gender diversity in their fields.

The non-profit celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year and has been nurturing a multi-industry community of professionals since its inception.

Included in our membership is access to a range of resources which Bis’ operations staff can benefit from, including:

  • Free access to national webinars and in personal local events, including networking opportunities
  • Access to the mentoring program
  • Access to Professional Development Programs
  • Access to the Knowledge Hub

To find out more about NAWO, visit their website.