Unlocking potential: encouraging women’s participation in technical roles through access to training, skills development and mentorship
Kylie Jones A *A
Kylie Jones is an experienced HR professional with over 18 years of expertise spanning the oil and gas industry, government, and Indigenous business sectors. She specialises in learning and development, training, diversity and inclusion, early career hiring, Indigenous community engagement, and workforce cultural awareness and inclusion. Kylie holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in IndigenousCommunity Management and Development. Currently, she serves as a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at Chevron Australia, where she is responsible for diverse employment pathway programs, STEM education outreach and partnerships, and managing Chevron Australia’s Women in Engineering program. Kylie’s role also involves contributing to workforce cultural awareness and engagement, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. |
Abstract
Chevron Australia’s Women in Engineering program provides foundation skills for employment in Western Australia’s energy and resources sector. Delivered in partnership with South Metropolitan TAFE, this 20-week course aims to remove barriers women may face when entering the industry. In the 15 years since the program commenced, 180 women have graduated (annual maximum intake = 14). With a 97% completion rate since 2014, more than 77% of graduates in the past 5 years have secured energy and resources sector roles, apprenticeships or traineeships, or undertaken further tertiary study in related fields. Participants graduate with a Certificate III in Process Manufacturing and a Certificate II in Process Plant Operations. Attending South Metropolitan TAFE’s Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training campus provides hands-on experience in a real-life industry setting, including an oil and gas facility and process plant, and a control room. A program feature is insight into oil and gas operations from a woman’s perspective and encouraging industry participation. As part of the course, students visit workplaces, have access to industry representatives, and undertake valuable soft skill development opportunities. Annually, Chevron Australia awards the top graduates with a scholarship and prizes to encourage further study. The program’s success can be attributed to its comprehensive curriculum, strong industry partnerships, and focus on peer-to-peer mentorship and support. It is testament to Chevron Australia’s commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce – and energy and resources sector – by ensuring women’s access to appropriate training, skills development and mentorship.
Keywords: diversity and inclusion, mentorship, oil and gas careers, process manufacturing, process plant operations, scholarship program, technical training, training and skill development, women’s participation.
Kylie Jones is an experienced HR professional with over 18 years of expertise spanning the oil and gas industry, government, and Indigenous business sectors. She specialises in learning and development, training, diversity and inclusion, early career hiring, Indigenous community engagement, and workforce cultural awareness and inclusion. Kylie holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in IndigenousCommunity Management and Development. Currently, she serves as a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at Chevron Australia, where she is responsible for diverse employment pathway programs, STEM education outreach and partnerships, and managing Chevron Australia’s Women in Engineering program. Kylie’s role also involves contributing to workforce cultural awareness and engagement, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. |
