GIRLS mentoring program a success

Young women across Queensland’s resources sector have celebrated their completion of a six-month female mentoring program.

As part of the Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) mentoring program, 20 year 12 students were paired with an experienced female mentor working in the resources industry.

The GIRLS mentoring program is delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) — the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) — and the Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).

QRC chief executive Janette Hewson says the GIRLS mentoring program has had a positive impact on the young women who have been through it.

“Having a mentor in the resources sector, while completing your year 12 studies, is invaluable and will help the students as they make decisions about their career pathway,” she said.

“It is an exciting time to join the resources sector as we meet the challenges of increasing sustainability and decarbonisation targets, while meeting productivity demands.

“We need the enthusiasm and innovation of young people to help us on that journey.”

WIMARQ co-chair Sally Rayner says the resources and energy industry was committed to increasing the number of females in the workplace.

“Initiatives like the GIRLS mentoring program play a crucial role in attracting talented young women to be a part of our resources future, which helps create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment,” she said.

“There is an abundance of career opportunities for women interested in trade and professional roles in the resources sector, this mentoring experience will give them the confidence to pursue those dreams.”

More than 80% of previous participants in the mentoring program have gone on to have a professional or trade career in the resources sector.

Charlotte Congram from Wavell State High School says she did the program to connect with more girls who were interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“I am keen to study engineering and maths next year and having a mentor who is an experienced in these fields through her role at BHP has motivated me to pursue a career as a mining engineer,” she said.