Lines company Counties Power held a career day for local high school students today to promote the industry to youth. More than 20 students from Pukekohe High School, Onewhero Area School and Rosehill College participated in the event and learnt more about working in the electricity supply industry.
Held in conjunction with the Girls with Hi-Vis® initiative run by Connexis, the Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation, the day offered practical demonstrations, discussions with staff and career advice to both male and female students.
Counties Power Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says the event is a great example of local industry supporting talent and nurturing young people. “After last year’s successful Girls with Hi-Vis® event, we wanted to offer this wonderful opportunity to all students. We’re proud to be able to showcase our people, our company and our industry to our youth and to give them real hands-on examples for working in the industry. So many school leavers have little knowledge or experience in companies or know what jobs involve and we wanted to change that.”
“It’s exciting to see students from local high schools learn more about working in infrastructure roles and for Counties Power in particular. We employ around 170 here and love to hire locals. From engineers to arborists, lines mechanics to electricians, there is a huge scope of work here and many pathways for getting there. I hope those attending found this extremely informative and gave great insight into this rapidly evolving industry.”
Connexis Chief Executive Peter Benfell says Girls with Hi-Vis® is a unique opportunity for women to find out about job options in infrastructure they had never previously considered or didn’t realise were available. “Girls with Hi-Vis® offers women of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the country, a taste of a work day with our major infrastructure companies throughout New Zealand in the month of June”.
Attracting more women to infrastructure careers is vital for the future of the sector. “If our sector is to continue to grow and operate at world standards, we need more skilled workers and greater diversity. Why would you ignore half the population in your recruitment plan?”
A strong supporter of local youth, Counties Power recently awarded a scholarship to a local electrical engineering student, participated in the recent Franklin School’s Career Expo and are currently seeking applicants for a First Foundation scholarship for a deserving local student.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Jodine Laing-Reeve
Communications and Brand Manager
Counties Power
Ph: 027 7339121
Email: jodine.laingreeve@countiespower.com
