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Jul-Aug 2008
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Women@Work: Recruitment
"Job's for the girls"
Maritime industry employers claim a lack of applications from women is the reason they have low female participation rates in the workplace.
New Female Employees at P&O's Fisherman Island Terminal
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When questioned "Why do you have such low female participation rates?" employers from all sections of the Maritime Industry are adamant that there are no women applying for advertised positions. Many have also gone on to say that they are still actively seeking suitable women, and would be happy to increase the number of women employed.
Is it then true that no women are interested in Maritime careers?
Is our image that bad that women honestly believe they would not be suitable?
We sincerely hope this is not the case.
Both the union and (some) companies have tried hard to change the publics perspective on who we are. No longer, "overpaid fat bludgers", but skilled operators providing the Country with the most important service of all...Trade.
If you are interested in a career in the maritime industry, then please pursue it.
Here are just a few examples of ways that you can increase your chances of employment.
- Apply! Time and time again, employers are seeing their application rates in the hundreds from men, and are lucky to receive a single one from any woman. If the employer IS looking at increasing their female participation rates then simply applying would ensure you have a chance.
- Pursue relevant training. As with any job, those applicants with relevant experience and aptitude are the most likely to succeed. (see below)
- Prepare Mentally. Interviews can be stressful, think of what kind of questions they may ask, and prepare your responses accordingly. Although not essential think of what kind of things you would like to know about the company or industry, and be sure to ask them. It shows an interest, and that you were paying attention. Like with any job interview.
- Prepare Physically, expect to undergo comprehensive physical examinations (back, reflexes, hearing , drug testing) If you are healthy and habit free you're halfway there.
SHIPPING/TUGS/FERRIES
The Australian Maritime College in Tasmania provides training courses for various ship based employment.
TAFE, also offers training courses conducive to maritime employment.
Plus many more!
STEVEDORING
Whilst there is no official stevedoring training provider, there are various 'tickets' that are considered prerequisites to this career, (such as a Forklift/Bobcat/etc licences, available from various public and private training providers) This particular sector of the maritime industry is known to provide extensive employer based training, and sometimes even traineeships.
Other info'
Employment opportunities are predominately limited to casual work, especially at entry level.
Being a male dominated industry the rates of pay are still well above those of most industries.
As is common knowledge: traditionally male dominated work, pays at a higher rate than perceived "women's" work.
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