Today, we talk with Matt Bennetto, Operations Manager at LinkForce. Joining us again is Rosie Allen from Rosie Allen Consulting, Mining Engineer and proud WASM graduate from the class of 2009. In this podcast we take a dive into diversity and how Western Australias largest shutdown business encourages diversity.

Fun fact: 70% of employees at LinkForces Central Perth offices are female!

Episode Timeline:

Diversity Program

[00:50]

We have developed a program called LTGo Program, it’s an eight-week course with tickets and certifications for individuals that may not have the connection, ability, or opportunity to work. We give everyone the opportunity, even if you are white, indigenous, Asian, male, female, etc.

[01:32]

LinkForce has always taken the approach of recruiting future graduates in mechanical engineering, structural engineering, etc. with female engineers as my priority.

Qualifications

[02:09]

With more than a thousand applicants, only 2% of females had applied for structural, civil, and mechanical engineering. Females are known for their attention to detail and drive that fits to our industry. Personal achievements are not enough to succeed, circumstances of diversity are just as important to be motivated.

Priming Young & Gifted People

[04:22]

Teens already made a decision about their interest before they get to high school and enrolling at a university. Companies are starting to realize that having a diverse workplace should be addressed at the root level.

[07:01]

Curtains opens up to these gifted children. Many companies organize flights for a bootcamp.

[09:32]

It creates buzz for them. Seeing adults working in action at a large scale creates excitement for them. With technology and the aspects happening in the mining industry, the world is their oyster.

Introducing your Work to your Child

[10:56]

Seeing your children watch with excitement, the question is how do you promote it to them? There are many career opportunities in Western Australia; geology, metallurgy, mining, engineering, surveying, fabrication—data and coding in the next decade.

Key Quotes:

[04:58 – 05:04] “Whether you have a son or daughter, they always want to be like their parents.”

[03:04 – 03:14] “Regardless if you are a male or female, you always challenge yourself to be better at something.”

Connect with Rosie through her socials:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-allen-consulting

Connect with Matt through his socials:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bennetto-a580a899/

Learn more about Link Force at:

Website: https://www.linkforce.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkforce-engineering/