Program propels girls on resources career pathway

Twenty Year 12 girls have gathered in Brisbane to begin a mentoring program aimed at bringing 'the best and brightest' into Queensland’s mining and energy sector. The Girls In Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) Mentoring Program connects each student with an experienced industry professional for six months of support and guidance on future career options as they complete their final year of school. This year’s group includes girls from Kirwan State High School, Good Shepherd Catholic College, Pioneer State High School, Moranbah State High School, Gladstone State High School, Biloela State High School, Blackwater State High School, Moura State High School, Bundaberg State High School, St Rita's College Clayfield, Mount Gravatt State High School, Somerville House, Wavell State High School, Centenary State High School, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School and St Hilda's School. The program, now in its sixth year, is an initiative of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ). Last year, almost 90 per cent of the students involved in the program either got a job in the resources sector when they finished Year 12 or commenced a study or training pathway to a resources career. QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson said the GIRLS Mentoring Program was an opportunity for students to learn about the different careers available in the resources sector from people with years of experience in the industry. “Our aim is to encourage young people to bring their skills and passion to make a difference in the world to a job in the resources sector,” she said. “Our industry is undergoing a period of incredible transformation as companies provide the resources the world needs for a decarbonised future, from the steelmaking coal to build electric vehicles and wind farms to the critical minerals that support new battery technology. “We need the best and brightest young minds in our workforce to help achieve this.” QRC skills, education and diversity policy director Katrina-Lee Jones said the program was again oversubscribed this year, reflecting young women’s growing interest in a rewarding and well-paid career in the minerals and energy industry. She said this year’s group was selected from QMEA partner schools across Queensland based on their potential leadership skills and passion to be involved in the future of the resources sector. Image at top of page: 2024 Mentees - back row: Paige W, Abby VB, Caitlyn P, Audrey W, Hailey E, Veronica W, Charlotte C, Cadence T, Keira F, Makayla D. Front row: Emily D, Alexandra I, Aileen H, Pernille A, Maddison K, Ananya M, Amara R, Angelique S, Ava H, Lexi C.

Program propels girls on resources career pathway

Industry Queensland

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