This case study relates to the VPS value of leadership and respect.
Background
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in partnership with Level Crossings Removal Project (LXRP) has introduced a Women in Transport Mentoring Program to offer career development opportunities for women in an industry over-represented by men.
There are several specific barriers to women participating in the transport sector including inadequate facilities, lack of flexibility, bias in recruitment practices, lack of intersectionality and a ‘blokey’ culture.
Research conducted through the Women in Transport Program 2017-2020 highlighted that although women are attracted to the opportunities within the transport sector; and, despite enjoying the work, many are challenged by the cultures of a sector that is historically overrepresented with men.
To address this the Women in Transport Program has developed three specific objectives to:
- dismantle structural barriers
- change the culture
- improve access to employment and career progression in transport for women and gender diverse people.
The six-month, industry-wide Women in Transport mentor program addresses gender inequalities in the sector and includes networking opportunities, professional development, plus monthly mentee-mentor meetings.
This is one initiative from the Women in Transport program to address objective three.
Challenge
The program needed to be open to people working in any role in Victoria’s transport industry and create a community for women and gender diverse employees.
Building networks across the industry is vital to strengthening public and private sector workforce relationships.
The program offers mentees new development options as their transport career progresses.
It also gives mentors an opportunity to share their experience, develop their leadership skills and discover just how much they have to offer.
Result
The 2023 mentoring program attracted 543 participants and successfully matched 259 pairs of mentors and mentees.
Of these, nearly 50% (255) of matched applicants were identified as VPS employees from 12 government organisations with more than 67 employer organisations represented. Since 2018, there have been 2665 participants in the program.
Mentees report that the program has transformed their careers and built their confidence to aspire to leadership positions in transport.