Celebrating its sixth-year, The Future Through Collaboration (TFTC) mentoring program welcomed 120 participants at an official online launch at 12:30 on Thursday.
Joined by senior leaders from the Defence sector and representatives from key industry partners, mentors and mentees across Australia gathered on-screen to kick-off the unique, collaborative and impactful twelve-month program.
Melissa Price, Minister for Defence Industry, opened the event with a recorded message highlighting the importance of mentorship.
“It’s in times of crisis that we truly appreciate the support of others and when we truly recognise the value of cooperation and encouragement. To have someone who will have our back, bolster our confidence, especially in a professional context," Minister Price said. “Too often mentorship is infrequent, rather than something that becomes a habit and that is why I am so impressed by the objectives and outcomes of this [The] Future Through Collaboration Mentoring Program."
A remarkable industry collaboration, the 2020 TFTC mentoring program includes female mentees and mentors working in engineering, project management, information technology, and cyber disciplines within sixteen supporting organisations including: Adroita, Atlantic & Peninsula Australia, Airservices Australia, Australian Army, BAE Systems, Beca, Boeing, Department of Defence, Hanwha, Jacobs, KBR, Nova Systems, Royal Australian Airforce, Royal Australian Navy, Systra Scott Lister and Thales.
In her closing remark, Amelia De Angelis, COO Kinexus and TFTC committee member, reflected on taking the 2020 program online.
“In this moment, it is difficult to recreate the feeling of sitting in a room with 200 others who are united by a shared vision for the advancement of women in the defence industry. Nonetheless, this year we have 60 mentors who have all put up their hand to support women in achieving their goals, and despite going online.
“We have no doubt that the 2020 program will be as successful as previous years – with the added opportunity to share sage guidance and practical advice on thriving during times of disruption and uncertainty.”