Twenty of Queensland’s most inspired Year 12 students have been selected from across the state to participate in the Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) mentoring program.
Now in its seventh year the program connects female students with an industry professional for six months of guidance and support as they decide on their future career options before finishing school.
The GIRLS Mentoring Program is a joint initiative of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).
The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Janette Hewson, QRC Chief Executive Officer, said the program provides a pipeline of talent for the future resources industry and offers young women extra support as they navigate career pathway options.
“Over 90 percent of last year’s participants have gone on to follow a career in the resources sector either through university studies, employment or a trade apprenticeship,” Janette said.
“It is a small but impactful program which is making its mark on the industry and has become a competitive application process amongst QMEA students.”
Demi Hughes is currently in Year 12 at Pioneer State High School and is a participant in this year’s GIRLS program.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be involved with QMEA, as an ambassador and through this program as well.
“I’m keen on pursuing a career as an electrician in the resources sector after finishing school though recently I did some work experience as an auto electrician which I enjoyed.
“So I’m going to either be an electrician or an auto electrician!”
Demi said she was looking forward to learning from her mentor who is an electrician at BMA.
“I’ve had some exposure already working in environments where there aren’t many women, or even any women at all, so I am looking to learn all I can about navigating that, as well as what to expect when working on a mine site.
“I also believe this experience will also open up a lot of networking opportunities which will be valuable down the track if I decide to enter the industry.”
Demi said that since she started school she has seen QMEA and WIMARQ programs making a real difference.
“Times are changing. STEM subjects used to be typically for boys but now more girls are giving them a chance and discovering they like them. Then they tell more girls about it.
“I originally wanted to be a nurse but then my interest was sparked to be an electrician and that’s because of my involvement with QMEA.”
WIMARQ Co-chair, Sally Rayner, highlighted that the GIRLS Mentoring Program is a valuable way to empower and celebrate young women like Demi as they step into the world of opportunities within the resources sector.
“This program is designed to provide young women with an interest in science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM) and trades with the support, mentorship and confidence they need to thrive,” Sally said.
“By connecting them with industry professionals we are championing a future where diversity is celebrated, and every young woman can see herself in this industry.
“Over 140 young women have graduated from the program with many going on to build rewarding careers in resources, proof that when we invest in diversity, we fuel innovation, inclusion and a stronger future for all.”
The 2025 QRC/WIMARQ GIRLS Mentoring Program is delivered in partnership with Metisphere and has been made possible with the sponsorship of BMA, Jellinbah Mining, Whitehaven Coal, Glencore Technology, Thiess, Coronado Global and Idemitsu Australia.
Due to Cyclone Alfred the planned program launch in Brisbane was changed to a webinar format, with participants completing initial training and meeting their industry mentors online.
