Full steam ahead for women in rail

Staff WriterSeptember 16, 2009, 12:00 amSeptember 16, 2009

While research shows that organisations who encourage women and mixed teams are over 20 per cent more effective than male only teams, research also shows that women need up-skilling in defined key areas in order for them to perform on a level playing field in the workplace.
One successful initiative that aims to increase women’s participation within the T&ampL industry and encourage them to take on more senior roles is the Women Moving Forward (WMF) mentoring program, devloped by the Australian Logistics Council (ALC). WMF is open to all women in T&ampL, in any role, in any company, in any region across Australia.
Since 2007, WMF has become the largest, most effective mentoring program for women in T&ampL with over 260 women representing over 90 companies completing a WMF program.
The rail industry has been an active supporter of WMF as a tool in retaining and developing its female workforce. QR is one organisation that has put a number of its female employees through&nbspthe program.
“As a young woman new to the industry, it was extremely encouraging that QR Network really supports women within their business,” Emma-Kate Clyburn from QR Network told Rail Express.
“This was apparent to me as I was asked to be a part of the WMF program, run by the ALC, after only being with QR Network for one month.
“The program has definitely opened some doors of opportunity that might not have been there before and has allowed me to explore and identify certain areas women particularly need to concentrate on to succeed and progress further in their career.
“It has also allowed me time to learn and understand my own manager’s journey to where he is today, as well as his take on learnings from this program.”
QR Network’s Annette Caesar, who works in the company’s signalling and telecommunications systems also participated in the July 2009 WMF program, and said that the course helped build her self esteem and confidence.
“I have learnt much about myself and techniques for improving my networking, communication, influencing and negotiating skills as well as meeting some great people along the way, both from QR and other companies taking part in the program,” Caesar said.
“I have recently been selected as a finalist for Trainee of the Year within QR’s Apprentice and Trainee of the Year awards I believe that using some of my new found skills and confidence assisted me in the selection process.”
WMF is a high value, low cost, self-paced 10 week mentoring program.
Women participating receive:
.A WMF and My Mentor Kit (10 CD’s, two DVD’s and a workbook)
.10 weeks of facilitated mentoring
.Weekly WMF Newsletters and tele-conferences
.Access to weekly guest speakers and the mentoring website’
.Opportunities to co-chair weekly tele-conferences
.Invitations to attend local networking events
Jane Dollar who works as the personal assistant to the QR General Manager Coal Systems said after completing the mentoring programme she noticed and received feedback that she was happier, more confident, less stressed and more driven in the workplace.
“It has changed my life for the better, both professionally and personally. QR Network’s involvement in the program has seen me network with my colleagues in the industry and I have made some fantastic contacts,” Dollar said.
“The CDs which are part of the course have been invaluable. I have picked up many ‘tips and tricks’ that have seen my performance go from good to great.”