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Rockhampton’s next generation of female technicians, tradies and engineers are set to find out what’s needed to embark on a journey to a rewarding career in the resources and energy sector.

The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is officially kicking off its 2023 program this week, with a series of breakfasts and workshops, thanks to support from the Queensland Government’s Office for Women.

This morning, 20 female Year 10 students from Rockhampton and Gladstone schools plus 20 women from the Rockhampton school community including teachers and mothers will attend the inaugural Girls Exploring Trades & Technologies (GETT) in Resources event.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the GETT in Resources program is all about encouraging young females into traditionally male-dominated fields of study and employment, particularly in the resources sector.

“Six events across Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Townsville are being delivered for the first time by the QMEA, allowing young women who may be undecided on a career pathway as well as mature women wanting to re-enter the workforce to learn about the fantastic career opportunities on offer in the industry,” Ms Jones said.

“This initiative supports the QRC’s efforts to create a more diversified and inclusive workforce that attracts more females into non-traditional roles, including our ambitious diversity target of 30 per cent female participation by 2026.

“Comprising a breakfast event and industry panel, followed by an engaging, hands-on, half-day workshop in each city, GETT in Resources is showcasing activities and technical disciplines that correlate with the enduring skill shortages in trades and technologies.”

During the breakfast panel made up of mainly females working in trade and professional roles, attendees will hear about personal experiences, challenges, and career opportunities available in the resources and energy sector.

Human Resources Manager with Glencore Coal, Ms Cayla Jurd said working in the resources industry in rural and remote areas has provided her with various opportunities to grow as an individual, noting opportunities that exist in the resource sector are “truly endless”.

“Although my areas of study are in Law and Human Resources, I have been afforded opportunities to work across multiple disciplines including in the role of Operations Supervisor”, Ms Jurd said.

“When things are getting tough, whether that be with school, an apprenticeship, university, or work, remind yourself – I didn’t come this far, to only come this far.”

After the breakfast panel, participants will move onto an interactive workshop focussing on skills and roles in high demand, showcasing the resources sector’s use and development of cutting-edge technologies now and in the future.

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools training initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 89 schools and is a partnership between industry and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

This initiative supports the Queensland Women’s strategy’s ‘Participation and Leadership’ goals of increasing female participation in occupations and industries such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), in the resources sector.