Click here for 2026 GIRLS mentoring program launch photos

The 2026 Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) mentoring program has launched with twenty Year 12 students and their resources industry mentors gathering in Brisbane from across the State.

Students travelled from 16 schools across Queensland for the launch of the mentoring program and meet their experienced industry mentors including geologists, engineers and experienced tradespeople.

The popular program, now in its eighth year, has helped connect over 120 students with the minerals and energy sector, with many alumni going on to carve out successful careers in the sector.

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

Janette Hewson, Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Officer, said the mentors and their mentees would take part in a scaffolded and mentoring partnership over the next six months, supported by organisational psychologists.

“These young women will get expert guidance and advice from their mentors, who work in the fields they are aspiring to enter,” said Mrs Hewson.

“This year the students will also walk away with a micro-credential in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology and machine learning through the Australian Institute of Management after sponsorship from the Caterpillar Foundation,” she said.

“It is an exciting addition to the GIRLS mentoring program recognising the transformative effect of AI on all industries and provides students with a practical qualification for their studies or entry to industry after school.”

WIMARQ Co-chair, Catherine Cook, said the GIRLS Mentoring Program was designed to assist young women keen to follow a STEM or trades career in the resources industry.

“By the end of this six-month program the students will be filled with knowledge and confidence about potential careers in mining and energy,” said Ms Cook.

The 2026 QRC and WIMARQ GIRLS Mentoring Program is delivered in partnership with Metisphere Organisational Psychologists and has been made possible with the sponsorship of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), Jellinbah Mining, Whitehaven, Glenore Technology, Thiess, Coronado Global Resources and Idemitsu Australia.