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Nova Systems is driving diversification in STEM and the defence industry through its ongoing participation in mentoring program ‘The Future Through Collaboration’ (TFTC).
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The 2019 program was officially opened today at the Rydges Capital Hill Hotel in Canberra for its fifth year. Suzanne Shipp, executive sponsor for Nova Systems’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Leadership (IDEAL) committee and a mentor in last year’s program, provided a keynote address at the event.
"The TFTC mentoring program welcomes women working across engineering, project management and technical areas. This year TFTC also welcomes women from the information technology and cyber disciplines for the first time," said Shipp.
To date, the program has given 144 women working in the defence industry an opportunity for mentorship they wouldn’t have likely had otherwise.
Shipp shared how great it was to have the opportunity to share some of her 25+ years of experiences imparting knowledge and wisdom to our future generations.
Nova Systems is providing this unique collaboration for mentors and mentees for the second year running.
Steven Robinson, chief executive Nova Systems Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the program as an excellent demonstration of defence and industry working together to tackle diversification in STEM, and to grow and enhance our sovereign capability.
"We recognise the importance of continuing to increase the number of women represented in STEM careers in defence, and defence industry, through collaborative programs and initiatives. TFTC provides an opportunity for mentees to learn from our leaders in this domain, strengthening and building skills to enhance their careers. I am personally looking forward to providing mentorship in 2019," Robinson said.
Robinson confirmed Nova Systems remains committed to providing equal opportunity for all and working collectively to achieve the best outcomes for defence and industry and the Australian economy.
The TFTC mentoring program is a unique collaboration that aims to tackle the issue of diversity head on by supporting the development of women within the engineering and project management disciplines through a structured mentoring program.
The program focuses on building understanding and creating networks across disciplines within defence and industry domains. These connections create a supportive and inclusive industry environment for STEM professionals at all levels.
Lee Kormany, Nova Systems program manager maritime and a mentor in the 2018 program, said that the mentoring program enabled her to share her experience, whilst encouraging and developing future leaders.
"I really enjoyed supporting my mentee to achieve her goals for the program. It is a privilege working with such talented women, knowing that I am using my experience to support these mid-career engineers and project managers to thrive in the defence sector," Kormany explained.
Nova Systems’ commitment is mirrored in the calibre of the candidates selected for the program, with participation from highly experienced consultants, managers, executives and mentees with proven skills and drive within their chosen STEM fields.
The 2019 program welcomes 76 participants from the Department of Defence, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Raytheon, Airservices Australia, BAE Systems, Jacobs, Nova Systems, CASG, Beca and KBR.
Nova Systems is an Australian owned and operated global professional service provider, specialising in the provision of technology enabling solutions and world class expertise to deliver complex capabilities and systems and solve technologically challenging problems.
Established in 2015, the TFTC mentoring program provides women working within the engineering and project management disciplines in the defence industry the opportunity to work with a senior defence industry mentor.
