Turning diversity into performance

Semco didn't set out to tick a box. It set out to build a stronger team.

- By Lauren Fahey, Executive Director NexGen

Holly has raised the bar at Semco. The team is collaborating more, the safety conversations are sharper, and the company is attracting a wider pool of talent. Images: NexGen

Semco is all about putting principles into practice. Today, women make up 24 per cent of the company's staff.

The business hired Holly, a diesel mechanic apprentice, because she was the right person ... not because it needed a photo for LinkedIn. Holly joined the team with a very normal goal, to be seen for her skill on the tools.

That decision is already lifting standards in the workshop.

Communication is cleaner, safety conversations are sharper, and the team is solving problems faster. This is what happens when you widen the gate and back talent.

Holly said she wanted to be known for the work, not her gender.

"The boys have had my back from day one. I am learning fast, and there is nothing better than getting a machine back on the road," she said.

Semco CEO Steve is clear about the why.