Innovative cadetship program promoting gender diversity
Summary
The Port of Brisbane has launched a forward-thinking Australian cadetship program to encourage and support talented women to embark on a maritime career, helping to boost female participation in what has been historically, a heavily male-dominated
industry. Women make up approximately 2% of the world’s maritime industry workforce, and they have traditionally not been encouraged or enabled to pursue work in the maritime industry, particularly sea-faring posts.
The innovative cadetship program offers full-time roles designed to be compatible with cadets’ other life commitments, including family responsibilities.
Jill Rossouw, Investment Director
But the tide is turning. Over the last three decades, key industry bodies, including the International Maritime Organisation and Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, have worked to create training and career pathways for
women into the industry. Individual ports and shipping companies around the world are also playing an important role in promoting greater diversity within the industry, including PBPL. PBPL’s cadetship program is a paid work and training
program for women within its Marine Operations business.
About the author
Executive Director
Jill Rossouw
Joined in 2004
Jill is an accomplished senior infrastructure and funds management professional, with asset management, project and corporate finance experience. Jill is responsible for the ongoing management of assets as well as the origination and execution of investments. She was previously Associate Director with PwC Project Finance, where she advised on business divestments and infrastructure projects at different stages in the procurement cycle. Prior to this, Jill worked for GE Capital’s private equity arm, where she gained experience in the investment in, and management of, investee companies. Jill is an experienced board director, with current and former directorships comprising major privatised infrastructure entities and public healthcare. Jill is a board member of Port of Brisbane, Southern Cross Station, Defence HQ, Aged Care Financing Trust, Perth CBD Courts and Axiom Education, and has previously been a board member of Brisbane Airport and NT Airports.