UNIQ You officially launched in Queensland on Tuesday, with advisors from thirteen corporate partners across Australia providing their time and industry insights to grade 9 to 12 high school girls from 30 schools via personalised one-on-one video calls.
The program is a service and online platform that aims to connect high school girls (and their guidance and career officers) with industry advisors drawn across sectors currently under-represented by women in the hope of fostering impactful conversations.
Companies that have signed on for the pilot program include Aurecon, BMD, Boeing, Hutchinson Builders, Origin, Oz Minerals (SA), Seqwater, Shell’s QGC Business, Skedulo, Tesserent, Urban Utilities, Ventia and Yurika.
According to UNIQ You CEO, Tanya Meessmann, the program (currently based in Queensland) aims to connect over 600 girls with 100 female advisors across 10 industries in the first year, with national expansion set firmly in their sights.
“Our service allows for advisers to easily engage with girls across the entire state, whether they are in major cities or small regional and remote areas,” said Meessmann.
“By connecting girls with relatable, inspirational female role models across a diverse spectrum of industries, we’re addressing their exact queries, concerns and curiosity around what these career pathways can offer.”
Whilst utilities and mining have been a strong focus for UNIQ You, Meessmann said that they were still seeking advisors from the logistics and transport sector.
“The area that we haven’t had much traction with transport and logistics,” said Meessmann.
“Whether its a family-run company or a big player, we’d be keen to hear from companies that recognise the importance of gender-diversity”
Urban Utilities CEO, Louise Dudley, said they were pleased to support an innovative program that would help provide girls with wider career choices.
“Through this program, we’ll be able to help teenage girls connect with women who are leaders in a range of fields such as engineering, science and technology,” said Dudley.
More details for anyone seeking to be involved with the UNIQ You service can find out more HERE.