Geelong based, Workplace Alliance Engineering are pleased to announce that they have signed up with North Geelong Secondary College to provide much needed funds to support their Excellence in Sport Program.

Managing Director, Wayne Allan commented “We see sport as one of life’s great equalisers and our donation to fund three young people in North Geelong Secondary College’s progressive program worth contributing to.”

Workplace Alliance Engineering are also proud long-term supporters of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), and have been supporting and encouraging both young women and men to enter a career in trades and engineering.

“We see our involvement in this valuable community program as another ‘cog in the wheel’ of a local company supporting socially disadvantaged youth. Our challenge from Workplace Alliance Engineering to other Geelong companies is to get on board and support programs such as the one offered by North Geelong Secondary that give our youth a hand up.” Mr Allan said.

Our support would also not be possible without the fantastic work of all of our team at Workplace Alliance. We are very proud to be involved.

Workplace Alliance Engineering is a Geelong-based company offering extensive industrial engineering support services to businesses in a range of industries.

Workplace Alliance is excited to welcome tradesperson Hannah Terry to our team.

Managing Director, Wayne Allan says that having Hannah and other women on the team adds great variety and balance to our workplace. “We encourage and welcome any women who want to work in this field. We are working hard with a number of STEM based organisations to encourage more women to enter our industry direct from school.” Wayne says.

Hannah is one of a number of women who are an integral part of the team at Workplace Alliance.

Workplace Alliance is a Geelong-based company offering extensive industrial engineering services to businesses in a range of industries.

Stephanie Fear loves her Hawks and AFL, “one eyed I am, I miss playing”, says Workplace Alliance’s Trade Assistant. Stephanie is a number of talented women who are making a lasting contribution to what has traditionally been a male dominated workforce.

Stephanie and Managing Director Wayne Allan, go way back. Wayne was Stephanie’s supervisor during her 7 years as a Stores Assistant at Boral Cement. “When I finished at Boral, I phoned Wayne and he welcomed me to Workplace Alliance where I now work as a Trade Assistant.” Stephanie explains.

Stephanie has enjoyed a varied work history over her career including time as a cook, working at Brintons Carpets and has also been a picture framer. “A woman working as a Trade Assistant is rare in this industry, but I love it” Stephanie explains, “It’s different type of work everyday, I help with the Stores work, wrapping, receiving, doing the ‘milk runs’ to replenish the cupboards so that our client (Stephanie works at the Carbon Revolution site) production rates and standards remain world class.”

According to Stephanie Workplace Alliance is a great place to work with everyone from Wayne to the people she works with in the stores being very approachable, respectful and helpful. “I’ve noticed a huge difference between the culture at Workplace Alliance to previous employers. I can speak to Wayne about anything and he will show me interest, care and respect. I feel valued” Stephanie said.

Stephanie’s message to other women and girls wanting a career in STEM? “Have a go, I’ve learnt so much and gained so much confidence. I can drive a forklift, I now have heaps of industrial licences, I love the work.”

As for life outside of work, Stephanie is mother to four children, Grandmother to one, with another on the way. She also enjoys life with partner Craig, and her two dogs and a cat. Stephanie grew up in Geelong and has played WVFL for the Corio She Devils. She now enjoys watching her beloved Hawks.

Wayne Allan says having Stephanie and other women on the team adds great variety and balance to our workplace. “We encourage and welcome any women who want to work in this field, and we are working hard with a number of STEM based organisations to encourage more girls to enter our industry direct from school.” Wayne says.

For more information on a STEM career click here or contact Wayne at Workplace Alliance.

Thanks to the Geelong Advertiser for this wonderful profile.

“I love working out how stuff works, it’s just so enjoyable.” Workplace Alliance’s Sarah Carty doesn’t see herself as a trailblazer or even a woman making a name for herself in what has been traditionally a man’s world. She is part of the team, a team she enjoys working with.

Originally a pastry chef by trade, Sarah decided on a career change which saw her enter a five year apprenticeship and undertaking a Certificate IV qualification taking in subjects including Higher Engineering, Machinery, Electrical and Fitting.

“I wanted to work in a physical environment where I used my hands and got to see how industrial stuff works, but I wasn’t quite sure exactly where and how.” Sarah explains “So this apprenticeship and training was the ideal fit for me.”

Sarah, with her partner, now spend their year between Geelong and Yowah in Queensland, where they bought a property with an Opal mining lease attached.

Sarah love coming back to Geelong to work on “shuts” with the Workplace Alliance team. “Wayne (Wayne Allan, Workplace Alliance Managing Director) has been extremely flexible and supportive of my twin life, although I suspect he would love to have me down here full time.

How does Sarah manage working in industrial environment? “Even though I have less physical strength than my male counterparts, I use my smarts. I find ways to make up for less strength, for example, I am mastering the art of leverage to lift items, I couldn’t lift just by hand. Also my workmates are great, they are so helpful and encouraging.” Sarah explains.

Sarah’s advice for any girls looking to enter a STEM career. “Don’t be afraid to have a go, if you are passionate, don’t feel intimidated. You will gain amazing skills, that not only are transferable across many sectors, you will also take home many skills. I love building and fixing stuff at home, it gives me great independence and confidence. It sets you up for life.”

Wayne Allan says that having Sarah and other women on the team adds great variety and balance to our workplace. “We encourage and welcome any women who want to work in this field and we are working hard with a number of STEM based organisations to encourage more girls to enter our industry direct from school.” Wayne says.

Sarah is one of a number of women who are an integral part of the team at Workplace Alliance.

For more information on a STEM career click here or contact Wayne at Workplace Alliance.

Photo – Sarah in action (Photo courtesy of The Geelong Advertiser)