For women looking to build a career in mining, resources and other traditionally male-dominated industries, getting a foot in the door is one of the biggest challenges. The opportunities are there, but knowing where to find them, who to speak to and how to make that first step is a challenge within itself.
That is why events like Resourceful Women’s Breaking Beyond seminar are crucial in connecting the right people.
Returning for its second annual event on November 6, this seminar is a chance to move beyond conversations about diversity and inclusion to create practical pathways into industry.
Last year’s Resourceful Women Reset, Restart, Refocus Seminar attracted 170 attendees, 17 guest speakers and 5 company partners. It was a full day of industry knowledge, career guidance, connection and practical information for women looking to enter, return to or progress within male-dominated industries.
The impact was huge — 20 women walked away with new opportunities, including 8 women who were hired by one company alone for NTI truck driving roles. Some of these women had been applying for jobs online for more than a year. All it took was putting them in a room with the right people.
Resourceful Women co-founder and community lead Sienna Tamati says in the resources industry, it’s not always what you know, but who you know.
“We are the connection point between women looking for opportunities and companies looking to attract, retain and progress more women within their workforce,” she said.
“We want women to leave the room with more than just information. We want them to have connections, confidence, industry knowledge and people they can reach out to when they’re ready to take their next step.
“At the same time, we want companies to have access to women who are genuinely interested in working in their industry, while creating opportunities for those companies to show women that they are workplaces where they can be supported, trained and given the opportunity to progress.”
This year’s event, hosted at The Camfield, is a full day event and features five specialised panel discussion designed to equip attendees with the tools, knowledge and confidence to succeed across industry.
AI and automation
This panel will explore how AI and automation are changing the industry and what women can expect as new technology continues to be introduced, including the move towards autonomous equipment and truck driving.
Workforce entry and re-entry
Supporting women who are new to the industry, as well as women returning to work after time away, this panel will look at the opportunities available, how to get back into the industry and what companies are doing to attract, retain and support women, particularly working mums.
Different industries
In this discussion, panellists will look beyond traditional mining and resources roles and highlighting the many opportunities available across other male-dominated industries, including areas women may not have previously considered.
Women’s health and wellbeing
A practical conversation around looking after yourself at work and on site, covering topics including the female body, periods, menopause and overall wellbeing.
Career progression
Hearing from men and women who have worked their way up through the industry and are now leading teams, operations and major areas of responsibility, this panel will explore how taking that first step, or a stepping-stone role, can eventually lead to significant opportunities and leadership positions.
Connecting companies with candidates
For companies, the opportunity is equally valuable. It is a chance to meet women who are genuinely interested in their industry and to demonstrate that their organisation can be a place where women are supported, trained and given the opportunity to build meaningful careers.
With booths, annual partnerships, event sponsorships and tables available, companies can bring a mix of representatives and women from their own workforce, creating an opportunity for people at different stages of their careers to share experiences and have genuine conversations about what it is like to work in the industry.
For companies that do not have a ready-made group to bring along, Resourceful Women can help fill those tables by promoting their organisation to its audience and bringing women into the room who are genuinely interested in exploring opportunities within their industry.
Take a different approach to recruitment by allowing employers and potential candidates to meet face-to-face before a job application is ever submitted.
For more information, visit https://www.resourcefulwomen.com.au/
Call: +61 458 335 049
