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Monadelphous’ crane operator gender diversity initiative wins at CME awards

Engineering Group, Monadelphous, has won an award for its gender diversity initiative, the Crane Operations Pathway Traineeship.
(L-R) Lorna Rechichi, Brittany Sanger, and Marlon Baars accept the 'Outstanding Company Initiative' award. Image: Monadelphous

Monadelphous‘ Crane Operations Pathway Traineeship gender diversity initiative has won the Outstanding Company Initiative award at the 15th 2024 Women in Resources Awards.

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Hosted by The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) on March 22 at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre, the award was presented to the ASX-listed engineering group in front of a crowd of more than 1000 people. Monadelphous’ program came in ahead of BHP and Rio Tinto, respectively nominated for their ‘Bamboo Flexible Work Program’ and ‘Transferable Pathways’ initiatives.

“We take immense pride in providing valuable upskilling opportunities to Indigenous and female trainees and apprentices and are grateful for the recognition this program has received,” said a social media post from Monadelphous upon receiving the award.

“We also extend our congratulations to the other nominees, whose remarkable initiatives contribute to making our industry more diverse and inclusive.”

Monadelphous’ Crane Operations Pathway Traineeship was established in 2021 by General Manager Heavy Lift, Lorna Rechichi, to combat the gender disparity in the crane and heavy haulage industries.

The program spans across 36 months, preparing females trainees to become qualified crane operators where, on completion of the program, participants receive nationally recognised qualifications while maintaining their full-time role with Monadelphous’ Heavy Lift Division.

The program – an outcome of Monadelphous’ Gender Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2024 – offers a model for addressing skill shortages and fostering diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Among the other winners on the night were:

  • Evelyn Ng from Callidus Group: Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award
  • Dianne Deegan, Inpex: Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Award
  • Eliza Dennis, Shell Australia: Outstanding Young Woman in Resources
  • Josie Fourie, Woodside Energy: Outstanding Woman in Resources
  • Vivienne Chan, Chevron: Women in Resources Champion Award
  • Lily Meneghel, Roy Hill: Peoples’ Choice Award

CME Chief Executive, Rebecca Tomkinson, said the broad cross-section of the WA mining and resources community represented by the winners highlighted a sector-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“As an industry, we are making progress towards the gender parity we aspire to, with a significant increase in the rate of participation for women compared with a decade ago, but there is still much work to be done,” she said.

“More women in resources means a louder voice advocating for an inclusive work environment that benefits from a diversity of problem solving.”

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