‘Women in Logistics’ cadetship program launched

Asciano has launched a new management cadetship program to promote diversity and inclusion in the Australian stevedoring and logistics industry.

Launched initially through Asciano’s Patrick Terminals & Logistics Division, the two-year Women in Logistics (WILpower) program will provide women with the opportunity to develop the skills required to enter operational leadership roles.

Asciano will start by recruiting eight female cadets in November 2014, with the program to commence at the beginning of 2015. Two cadets will be recruited for each of Patrick’s container terminal operations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The successful candidates will rotate through four operational roles in Patrick’s Terminals & Logistics Division, spending time in the roles of yard manager, shift manager, production manager and logistics.

Asciano’s director of Human Resources, Customer and Corporate Affairs Alex Badenoch said the launch of the WILpower program represents a significant step toward addressing the challenge of diversity across Asciano’s business.

“Diversity within our stevedoring operations is one of our greatest challenges, with a long history of male-dominated workplaces and an ongoing shortage of female candidates applying to join our workforce. We believe that starting to address this issue in our stevedoring workforce will be a positive catalyst to encourage greater representation of women in operational management roles across all areas of our business.

“While Asciano operates in a traditionally male dominated industry, we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse place to work, with a particular focus on supporting the representation of women at all levels of our organisation. This program is aimed at building a diverse succession candidate pool.”

As part of the WILpower program, the cadets will be supported to complete a Graduate Diploma in Logistics in addition to a Certificate IV in Management. Throughout the two years other development opportunities will become available to assist the cadets in rounding out their experience.

Source: http://www.tandlnews.com.au/