Coles has partnered with Dream Big Australia to back the participation of women in STEAM industries.
The number of women working in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) industry is far outnumbered by men and the intention of the partnership is to address the challenges and disadvantages experienced by women by providing career-enabling programs, networks, and mentoring programs to foster diversity in talent pipelines.
As part of the initiative, Head of Store Customer Platforms Melissa Robertshaw has developed a module on Leading Through Adversity, to share with Dream Big's STEAM Ahead Program - a development experience which supports and better prepares women to be more skilled, confident, and qualified before they graduated from their degree.
Ms Robertshaw said the partnership with Dream Big Australia will help to promote Coles as a technology employer of choice for young females across Australia.
“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," she said. “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."
She also said that she is hopeful that it will put Coles at the top of the list for technology professionals, regardless of gender.
Chief technology officer John Cox says that the partnership will enhance graduate capabilities, and elevate their potential prior to graduation and enable them to articulate their professional ambitions.
“The market for tech talent is more competitive than ever, so having multiple pathways and opportunities that appeal to a diverse range of talented professionals is an important part of Coles’ 'better together' strategy for attracting and retaining talent,” said Mr Cox.
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.