Inspiring girls to work in the resources sector

Students from Pinjarra Senior High School, Halls Head Community College and Byford Secondary College recently accompanied Alcoa to the Inspiring Girls Careers Forum at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Run by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA, the Inspiring Girls Careers Forum showcases the resources industry to female secondary school students in years 10, 11 and 12.

Pinjarra Community Relations Officer Stephanie Gardner said Alcoa’s Pinjarra refinery and Huntly mine were proud to give local students the opportunity to attend.

“We want to encourage the next generation of young women to pursue a career in the resources industry and inspire them to follow in the footsteps of other women who have achieved remarkable success both personally and professionally,” Mrs Gardner said.

“Providing these students with the chance to speak directly with resources company representatives from across Australia to gain insights and have their questions answered in person is a great way for them to explore what a career in the resources industry might be like.”

Students participated in a hands-on activity coordinated by the Australian Earth Science Education team that showcased the wide range of skills needed in the resources sector.

Working in groups with industry representatives, students were tasked with establishing a theoretical mine, acquiring the mining rights and assessing the environmental, social and geological factors to find the largest amount of gold deposits.

To finish the day, students participated in a speed careering activity with various industry representatives to learn more about the professional opportunities available in the resources sector, listen to personal employment and education stories and obtain advice.

Image caption: (L-R) Front row: Madison Hemopo (PSHS),Bella Chalwell (PSHS), Amber-Rose White (Huntly), Julie Gray (Pinjarra Senior High School Career Practitioner), Charlize Brookman (PSHS) and Amy-Lee Moody (PSHS). (L-R) Back row: Kyah McShane (PSHS) and Mikaela Bell, Karen McGhee, Alana Morris, Stephanie Gardner and Jane McIntyre (all from Pinjarra).