PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The number of women starting an apprenticeship or traineeship in Queensland’s resources sector has tripled over the past ten years.

The figures from Queensland’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training also reveal the completion rate for apprentices and trainees in resources sits well above the national average. 

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) CEO Ian Macfarlane said the results reflected the work being done to build a diversified, skilled workforce in the resources sector.  

“Over the ten-year period from 2013/14 to 2022/23, the number of females starting an apprenticeship or traineeship with resources companies operating in Queensland has more than tripled,” Macfarlane said. 

“Women now account for 35% of total apprentice and trainee commencements in Queensland’s resources sector, up from 11% ten years ago. 

“In the same period, the percentage of Indigenous trainees and apprentices in the resources sector rose from 13% to 18%, which we’re very pleased to see. Our industry is already the biggest private employer of Indigenous women and men in Queensland, and we want to continue to see these numbers grow. 

“This is a terrific testament to the work being done by resources companies to diversify their workforce to better reflect the communities in which they operate and increase the number of skilled workers available for companies to employ,” Macfarlane said. 

“The other good news is the latest figures confirm young women and Indigenous people are completing their apprenticeship or traineeship with Queensland resources companies at much higher rates than the national average. 

“Eighty five percent of females and 82% of Indigenous men and women in Queensland are completing their courses and setting themselves up on a path to a rewarding career in the resources sector. 

“Across our sector, the completion rate for apprentices and trainees sits at 76%, which is around 20% higher than the national average for all industries,” Macfarlane said. 

“It’s great to see so many young people not only choosing to take up apprenticeships and traineeships in our sector but seeing them through to completion at such high rates.

“Young Australians will play a critical role in the resources sector’s transition to a decarbonised future, so these latest figures are very encouraging.”