Coles is empowering women to “dream and succeed” in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) careers by partnering with Dream Big Australia.
According to Coles, the number of women working in the STEAM industry is far outnumbered by men. It’s hoped the partnership will address the disadvantages experienced by women by providing “career-enabling” programs, networks, and mentoring programs to foster diversity in talent pipelines.
As part of the initiative, Coles Head of Store Customer Platforms Melissa Robertshaw has developed a module on ‘Leading Through Adversity’, sharing examples on how the retailer leads as an organisation through tough conditions. The module will be delivered to women who are currently completing studies in STEAM Bachelor degrees and participating in the STEAM Ahead program.
Ms Robertshaw says the partnership with Dream Big Australia provides an excellent opportunity to promote Coles as a technology employer of choice for young females across Australia.
“I am passionate about diversity of thought and experience as I believe this truly drives a high performing team,” she says.
“Partnering with the program by co-designing the syllabus and providing Coles team members to facilitate sessions will provide students with an inside view into the interesting and relatable technology challenges a business like ours needs to tackle.
“The relationship also shines a light on our commitment to addressing the STEAM skills gap for women and supporting the careers of young female Australians. Aside from just being the right thing to do, this may help further drive consideration for careers at Coles among technology professionals, both female and male.”
The partnership with Dream Big follows two recruitment campaigns run by Coles to attract new talent to work in digital and tech roles in the past 12 months, including the Relauncher program and Connect Every Moment.
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