OPITO launches SEEN campaign for women in energy
OPITO, the global safety and skills body for the energy industry, has announced its support for a new development programme designed especially for women working in the energy industry to address gender inequality and ensure workforce composition which better reflects society.
Fully funded by OPITO, SEEN will support 15 delegates to build confidence, enhance communication skills, and develop leadership abilities which may help them progress into senior roles. Over eight weeks of virtual and in-person sessions, participants will also have the opportunity to build a strong peer-support network and therefore increase impact within industry.
Annual data released earlier this year by POWERful Women and PwC UK revealed that the UK energy sector remains behind the FTSE 350 when it comes to representation of women in key decision-making roles at board level, with very little progress over the last 12 months.
“For more than 50 years, OPITO has been at the forefront of workforce development in the energy sector but we are acutely aware that there is more to be done to improve representation of women and other underrepresented groups.
With any great change comes opportunity. The energy transition represents a critical juncture for us to build a more inclusive and aligned approach to diversity and inclusion which retains, motivates and inspires more women to step into senior roles.
We are delighted to be playing our part by supporting the launch of SEEN and offering this opportunity to women across the energy sector who may not otherwise be able to access such a valuable resource.”
SEEN will be delivered by independent consultants Nikki Tierney of Leeway and Morna Ronnie of The People Portfolio who collectively have more than five decades of energy and training industry experience.
“This is the right time to bring SEEN to the energy industry, with women still dominating some of the lowest paid roles in the sector whilst being notably missing from the highest paid. The programme is designed for women who are ready to take the next step in their careers but question their ability or visibility to make that leap. If you are struggling to articulate what it is you want from your career or are returning to work after a period of absence or want to feel less isolated in your role then we want to hear from you.”
The closing date for applications is the 7th of September or when all places are filled. As places are limited, applicants should apply early.
