Women Lead Surge in Apprentice Numbers in Queensland’s Thriving Resources Sector
The Queensland resources sector has witnessed a significant surge in the number of women embarking on apprenticeships and traineeships over the past decade. According to data from Queensland’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, the figures show a tripling in the number of women starting apprenticeships or traineeships in the resources sector. What’s even more encouraging is the completion rate of apprentices and trainees in the sector, which surpasses the national average.
Ian Macfarlane, CEO of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), highlights that these results are a reflection of the industry’s efforts to build a diversified and skilled workforce. Over the ten-year period from 2013/14 to 2022/23, the number of females commencing apprenticeships or traineeships with resources companies in Queensland has more than tripled. Currently, women account for 35% of total apprentice and trainee commencements in the state’s resources sector, a significant increase from 11% ten years ago.
The data also reveals a positive growth in the percentage of Indigenous trainees and apprentices within the resources sector, rising from 13% to 18% over the same period. Queensland’s resources industry is already the largest private employer of Indigenous women and men in the state, and the aim is to continue increasing these numbers.
Macfarlane emphasizes the commendable completion rates among young women and Indigenous people in the sector. 85% of females and 82% of Indigenous men and women in Queensland successfully complete their courses, setting themselves up for rewarding careers in the resources sector. These completion rates are significantly higher than the national average for all industries. The sector’s overall completion rate for apprentices and trainees stands at an impressive 76%, approximately 20% higher than the national average.
The Queensland Resources Council CEO recognizes the importance of young Australians in the industry’s transition towards a decarbonized future. The latest figures serve as an encouraging sign that many young people are not only opting for apprenticeships and traineeships in the sector but are also persisting and completing their programs at remarkable rates.
The Queensland resources sector’s commitment to diversifying its workforce to reflect the communities in which it operates is evident in these statistics. By increasing the number of skilled workers available for employment, the industry ensures a strong pipeline of talent moving forward.
With women leading the surge in apprentice numbers and Indigenous traineeships and apprenticeships on the rise, the sector is making significant progress towards a more inclusive and representative workforce. These developments bode well for the future of the Queensland resources sector, as it continues to thrive and adapt to the changing demands of the industry.
As Queensland’s resources sector focuses on building a sustainable and decarbonized future, the active participation of young talent, especially women and Indigenous individuals, will be crucial. The sector’s commitment to attracting and supporting a diverse range of apprentices and trainees is a promising sign for the industry’s ongoing growth and success.
Overall, these latest figures showcase Queensland’s resources sector as a frontrunner in championing diversity, inclusivity, and skill development, setting a benchmark for other industries to follow suit. Moving forward, it will be essential to sustain and strengthen these initiatives to ensure a prosperous and resilient resources sector for the years to come.
