Meet Jo Withford | Inspiring Women in Engineering

1. Tell us what you do at Transport

My current role is Project Engineer/Contract Manager with Regional and Freight, based in Newcastle. I manage the Road Maintenance Council Contracts with City of Newcastle and Maitland City Council as well as managing the development and construction of various safety and Infrastructure Services projects. I am very active in encouraging women in STEM where I promote Transport and engineering by speaking at various primary school, high schools and Universities. I am Digital Leader of Transport’s Women in STEM Network as well as being on Engineers Australia’s Sub-Education Committee. I also represent Transport as an Ambassador for Sydney Build 2020/2021.

2. What's your proudest moment?

Earlier this year I was 1 of 17 Australian’s awarded the position of being a STEM Ambassador for Science and Technology Australia. This is an amazing opportunity which enables me to work together with my local MP, Sharon Claydon to help bridge the gap between science and government in Australia. Being awarded Fellow status with Engineers Australia in 2018 was a proud moment as it was nice to be recognised by my fellow Engineers for contributing positively to the field of Engineering. I was also proud to be awarded Transport’s Regional Maintenance Female Employee of the Year for 2019. On a personal note, I am proud of the fact that with the help of my husband, I have been able to raise three happy and successful daughters while still maintaining a successful and fulfilling engineering career. I am also proud of the fact that I have been working for Transport for 20 years.

3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in engineering?

It is vital that we always be true to ourselves, do what feels right, always be authentic and have confidence in our own ability. Have your ‘non–negotiables’, be brave and step out of your comfort zone at times because when you do, amazing opportunities may present themselves. It is also nice to support other women in engineering.

4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

The only way we are going to transform the future of women in engineering is when Australia’s workforce reflects the communities we live in and provide a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace culture where both men and women are given equal opportunity for success. We are certainly moving in the right direction however we still have a great amount of work to do.

5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

Before my Husband and I settled down in Newcastle (24 years ago!), we spent three years travelling in a campervan and working as engineers around Australia. It was an amazing experience – great for our relationship and also fabulous to see our beautiful country.