• Click here for photos from the GIRLS mentoring program finale

Twenty Year 12 students from across Queensland gathered in Brisbane today to celebrate their successful completion of the Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) mentoring program.

Today’s finale event gave students a chance to not only celebrate completing the program but to also meet up with their industry mentors who have guided them through the program over the last six months.

The mentoring program is a joint initiative of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WMARQ).

Jen Hoyle, Director – QMEA, said the students and their mentors had completed an intensive six-month program delivered with the expertise of organisational psychologists, Metisphere.

“Each student was expertly matched with a mentor based on the mentee’s projected study or training pathways as well as the outcomes they were wishing to achieve   This program has given them valuable insights as well as the skills and confidence to pursue whatever their career goals may be,” said Ms Hoyle.

Over 160 students have now graduated from the program in the eight years that it has been running, with many alumni going on to have successful trade and professional careers in the resources industry.

Of the graduates from last year’s program, 80 per cent of them are now working towards careers in the resources sector through university and apprenticeship pathways.

Giselle Dickson, from Moura State High School, says she has gained valuable industry connections and confirmation in her career direction thanks to the mentoring experience.

“My mentor has been amazing, she is a role model who has inspired me and given me the confidence I need before going into university and entering the workforce.”

A new addition to the program in 2026 has been a micro-credential qualification in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology and machine learning delivered by the Australian Institute of Management with sponsorship from The Caterpillar Foundation

“The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming widespread across all industries, including resources, and the knowledge they have gained through this qualification will give them a head start in the next stage of their education journey as well as when they eventually transition into the workforce,” said Ms Hoyle.

WIMARQ Co-chair, Catherine Cook, said the GIRLS Mentoring Program supported students keen on both trade and professional roles.

‘At WIMARQ, we believe the future of our industry depends on the connections we create today,” said Ms Cook.

“The QMEA plays a vital role in bringing young people, educators and industry together, broadening our community and helping more students see the opportunities available to them in Queensland’s resources sector.”

Platinum sponsor, BHP Mitsuibishi Alliance (BMA) has been an enthusiastic supporter of the program since it started eight years ago.

“We invest in the GIRLS Mentoring Program because we see the impact it creates, not only for the students participating today, but for the future of our industry,” said BMA Head of Engineering, Lydia Gentle.

“Over the years, we’ve seen mentees go onto study STEM, build careers in resources, join the BMA and even return as mentors themselves. Programs like this help young women build confidence, see opportunities and expand their industry networks.”

The 2026 program has also been supported by Jellinbah Mining, Whitehaven, Glenore Technology, Thiess, Coronado Global Resources and Idemitsu Australia.

Year 12 students completing the 2026 GIRLS mentoring program