The gap in gender participation in our workforce is untenable; inclusive employment is our only way forward.
That is why the Smart Energy Council is rolling out a Gender Action Plan (GAP) across the smart energy industry in 2023 and 2024.
To reach our emissions reduction targets, the smart energy industry is key. But, there aren’t enough workers to deliver at pace and scale.
Women’s participation in our industry needs to lift from 39% to at least 50% by 2030.
We want you, and your company, to join us in our GAP – it is free to take part and you can sign up below.
25 QUESTIONS | 11 MINUTES | PRIZES AWARDED
Driving workforce participation across the smart energy industry
Our Goals
RESPECTFUL WORKPLACES
A cultural shift to embed a gender lens in business decision-making; to deliver a more inclusive and respectful workforce that provides opportunities, skills/training and favourable working conditions for women.
INDUSTRY CAPACITY
An industry that is inclusive and fit for purpose, so it can attract and retain women (600,000 jobs forecast to deliver 82% renewables by 2030) and lead us towards a safer climate.
WOMEN’S DETERMINATION
Quality employment outcomes and economic empowerment of women in new jobs that are meaningful and local.
What Comes Next?
The Smart Energy Council has three key programs we will kick off with:
A ‘Men as Gender Leaders’ program – to better equip our largely male-dominated industry to ensure our workplaces are safe for, attractive to and inclusive of women, with branding for successful graduates of the program to promote their status as gender-inclusive leaders.
A public communications campaign – to empower businesses to promote their leadership role in gender diversity and inclusion.
A community of practice – to guide the development of content, co-design solutions, encourage and support others taking action, and network with like-minded people.
Shape our work, join us in our Communities of Practice
Communities of Practice are our online learning space to guide the development and solutions for improving gender participation in the Smart Energy workforce.
Industry Baseline Survey
In 2023 the Smart Energy Council conducted an industry baseline survey to determine workforce sentiment and organisational characteristics of the Australian smart energy industry.
The results of this survey were presented at Smart Energy Queensland 2023, alongside our CPD (continuing professional development) approved training program.
The survey results help us guide the Gender Action Plan’s work, shape the design of our communities of practice and will help us in tackling workforce gender disparity in Australia.
Advisory Board
Arti Agrawal
CEO, Vividhata Pty Ltd
Alex Balsillie
program coordinator, Lord Mayor's chartiable foundation
Stephanie Bashir
nexa advisory, smart energy coucil board member
Terri Butler
president, smart energy council
Samantha Craft
Director and co-founder awise
Vice president, smart energy council & Committee Member, solar cutters
Megan Fisher
ceo & Director, energylab
Trevor Gauld
national Assisstant secretary, electrical trades union of australia
John Grimes
ceo, smart energy council
Anne Hellstedt
chair, college of leadership and management, engineers australia
Katie Hepworth
political & Strategic Advisor, Australian Manufacturing workers' union
Joanna Kay
general manager, zero carbon hydrogen australia
Holly Taylor
head of strategy and partnerships, energy efficiency council
Taking Gender Action
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