Forum discusses female recruitment to supply chain

DEAKIN University has helped to facilitate an industry forum to encourage local businesses to boost female participation in the supply chain workforce.

The Supply Chain Talent Pipeline (SCTP) project forum is a National Priority Fund initiative aimed at breaking down barriers to the recruitment of women.

The program has been developed by Deakin University researchers, with a core purpose to address long-standing misconceptions about supply chain careers and create a new recruitment pipeline focusing on women and young people who are two groups significantly under-represented in the industry.

Representatives from local industries including Cotton On, Timber Truss and the Port of Geelong explored various ways they can promote inclusion in their workplace.

Deakin University’s deputy vice-chancellor university services Kerrie Parker said Deakin was delighted to participate and help host the event.

“Inclusion is one of the university’s core values, it is central to how we operate, and we know our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is integral to Deakin’s ongoing success.”

Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network chief executive officer Wayne Elliott said attracting women to the supply chain industry had proven to be quite difficult, despite several significant opportunities being available.

“Working with local industries to foster the sort of workplaces women want to work in has been a significant aim of the Supply Chain Talent Pipeline project.”

Deakin University senior research fellow of the project, Dr Patricia McLean referenced the overall importance of the supply chain workforce.

“While increasing the understanding of what a career in Australia’s modern supply chain looks like has been an important part of the work we are doing, our project also aims to address the structural barriers for women in male dominated industries, and the forum was a key part of that.

“We know that diverse and inclusive workforces perform better, are more innovative, and show clear benefits to the bottom line.”