Diversity in the workplace isn’t only limited to gender, ethnicity or religion – it also applies to the age, experience and skills of employees.
Both mature age apprenticeships and school-based apprenticeships can bring different elements of diversity to your workplace, with these new apprentices able to bring a new set of skills or a fresh approach to your practices.
The national president of Engineers Australia Dr Marlene Kanga is today (May 7) presenting a lunch on the essential role leaders play in expanding workplace diversity.
Dr Kanga is a Chartered Professional Engineer who made a significant contribution to the Year of Women in Engineering in 2007, and was chair of the National Committee for Women in Engineering from 2008 to 2009.
Dr Kanga said that building a diverse workforce is beneficial for both employers and employees.
“Embracing diversity opens employers up to a larger pool of potential employees, which results in better utilisation of skills and expertise. This can improve the productivity of organisations and the economy as a whole.
“Opening up to the difference offered by diversity often leads to innovation. As a small nation, Australia must enhance its innovation culture to compete in the global economy.”
