Resources and energy employers have an intense focus on attracting more female talent to the industry, despite the latest Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) data showing only a small increase in representation.

WGEA’s 2019-20 Gender Equality Scorecard reveals female participation in the mining industry continues to increase at a slower than preferred rate, with women accounting for 18% of all employees, up from 17% in 2018-19.

“While the figures don’t show the desired level of growth, AMMA continues to guide and support many resources and energy employers committed to increasing their female workforce and leadership representation,” Tara Diamond, Director Operations, Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA, said.

“Many employers have developed industry-leading policies and initiatives to attract and develop women into the resources and energy industry.

“This includes expanded paid parental leave, initiatives to progress more women into leadership positions and job re-design, just to name a few.”

AMMA also continues supporting the industry through its national workforce gender diversity and inclusion initiative, the Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA).

“During the early stages of COVID-19, employers were challenged to focus on inclusion and diversity while essential operations took centre stage,” Ms Diamond said.

“However, we are now seeing a renewed focus to ensure they don’t miss out on the wide-ranging and long-term rewards of more inclusive and diverse workplaces.”

AMMA is also playing its part in building the pipeline of future industry skills through its Bright Future STEM primary school program.

“We are incredibly proud of the response and engagement as we continue rolling out the Bright Future STEM program to thousands of schoolkids across the country,” Ms Diamond said.

“In particular, the program helps breakdown gender stereotypes by showcasing inspirational female STEM professionals, while bringing to life Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects and how they link back to real jobs in resources and energy.”

Applications now open: Women in STEM Cadetship and Advanced Apprenticeship Program

Applications opened yesterday for the Australian Government’s $24.8 million Women in STEM Cadetship and Advanced Apprenticeship Program.

The Government announced this program in the 2020-21 Budget as part of its second Women’s Economic Security Statement. This initiative will support up to 500 women who want to upskill or build a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) to gain the skills they need to succeed while continuing to work in paid employment.

Employers will receive grants of up to $5000 each year for every employee in the program to recognise some of the costs associated with flexible working arrangements. Higher education providers participating in the program will also receive grants to deliver eligible STEM programs.

Applications to participate in this program can only be made by higher education providers. Employers interested in participating in this program should contact eligible higher education providers to discuss course options that meet an employer’s needs, and potentially support a higher education provider’s application.

To be selected to participate in this program, higher education providers need to apply by 5pm AEST 18 December 2020 to ensure courses can commence from the beginning of the 2021 academic year.

Further information about the program can be found on  the department’s website, including the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Resource sector’s diversity challenge

The Joint G20 Summit Saudi Arabia 2020 and G7 Summit

Featuring in the 2020 edition of the first blended Group of Nations Global Briefing Report, highlighting the challenges of 2020 would see the first time to not have a G7 Summit and the first time to have a virtual G20 Summit.

“Even before 2020, the agenda of the G20 was abundantly ambitious. Global financial transparency, climate change, automation and the future of work, agriculture and food security, health, wealth, and so much more,” the report’s foreword read.