Jobseeker forum attracts women to mining industry

The Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) is hosting the Connecting Women Jobseeker Forum in Brisbane to attract more women to the mining industry.

More than 150 women will have the opportunity to engage directly with employers and enrol in fully funded training at the AMMA forum.

“We’re offering Queensland women the opportunity to gain insight into the diverse roles on offer across Australia’s resource industry - from engineering and technical roles through to support services such as catering, cleaning and maintenance,” said AMMA Director Tara Diamond.

Designed to bolster the number of women working in the industry, the Connecting Women Jobseeker Forum was developed with Australian Government funding as part of AMMA’s workforce development project AMMA Skills Connect.

“Today’s attendees span a range of skill levels, from university students to existing workers and unemployed - all looking to take part in Queensland’s burgeoning resource industry,” said Diamond.

“In addition to hearing from industry experts, eligible attendees will have the opportunity to kickstart a new career in the support service sector by enrolling in a fully funded Certificate III in Hospitality with the Sarina Russo Institute.

“Support services provide a range of entry-level career opportunities in the resource industry including catering, cleaning and maintenance of worker accommodation villages, not to mention opportunities to travel and contribute to our country’s world-class resource projects.

“For all of the forum’s female jobseekers, learning more about the various mining projects in Queensland and nationally, and receiving direct advice from employers could provide the boost they need to embark on a rewarding resources career.”

Diamond says that improving career pathways for women has become a priority for the resource industry as it works to ensure it remains an attractive place for employment and investment.

The AMMA Skills Connect initiative complements the work underway by the Australian Women in Resources Alliance, which aims to increase the level of women in the resource industry from 15.5% to 25%.

“Resource employers know that remaining competitive in a global marketplace depends on a diversity of skills and perspectives within the workforce,” Diamond said.

“Employers attending today are showcasing the wealth of career opportunities on offer across their operations. Some already have well-recognised diversity programs such as Caltex Australia’s BabyCare initiative, which assists new parents to return to work.”

Attendees will hear from employers including Theiss, Easternwell, Assetlink, Cater Care Services, Aero-Care, Diamond Protection, miningoilandgasjobs.com, Sarina Russo Institute and AMMA Skills Connect.