Women in Energy
Molly Miller

I’m the Leading Hand for the shift maintenance workshop

My role involves supporting the Maintenance team leader by prioritising and coordinating high priority tasks on a day-to-day basis, and providing technical expertise and advice to other tradespersons, power workers and apprentices.

When required, I also help my team by working as an electrical tradesperson which involves a range of electrical work in relation to unplanned breakdown maintenance on plant and equipment that’s required to meet power station operating objectives.

My career began at AGL as an electrical apprentice

One of my proudest moments during my apprenticeship was being nominated and winning an award for Apprentice of the Year in the Women working in a non-traditional trade role category. Once I completed the four-year training, I secured a job as an electrical tradesperson at our now retired Liddell Power Station.

After working as a tradie for about five years I wanted to learn something new so I could continue to progress my career. One of the best things about working at AGL is the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. I undertook additional training and eventually stepped up into the position of assistant team leader.

I then applied for my current role, making the leap from a tradie on the tools at Liddell to becoming a Leading Hand at our Bayswater Power Station.

Energy is a big part of our lives

The wide range and variety of work and the different aspects of a power station that’s required to produce electricity is incredible. It keeps the job interesting.

Although coal will eventually come to the end of its life, it’s intriguing to watch and learn as the sector looks for new ways to produce and meet Australia’s future energy. I’m particularly excited about the opportunities the energy transition will provide people with a trades background.

Having worked in energy for many years, I’ve also seen first-hand how supportive and encouraging companies, like AGL, are of women pursuing a career in the industry. They’re genuinely interested in what they can do to improve and increase participation, based on the value and diversity women bring to the workplace.

My career advice for women and girls

If you’re curious or considering working in energy, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for more information, whether it be through school or someone you may know who works in the industry. It will help you to see what your options are and explore what you’re most interested in.

Work experience is a really good way to get out on site and see first-hand how things operate on a day-to-day basis.

I’ve found AGL’s culture, and the teammates I’ve worked with over the years, to be welcoming and accepting of women. I feel part of a team, rather than a woman working in a male-dominated industry. If your experience is anything as good as mine has been, you’ll enjoy a long and supportive career in trades.