The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has launched an important new initiative to create job opportunities for groups currently under-represented in the mining and energy workforce.
The Resources W.I.D.E (Workforce Inclusion & Diversity Engagement) project has been developed thanks to $963,000 made available through the Queensland Government’s Workforce Connect Fund.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said a new Digital Hub will support resources companies to implement diversity and inclusivity initiatives that will aid in the attraction, retention and advancement of people from diverse backgrounds.
“This initiative is focussed on making the resources sector in Queensland a better, more inclusive place for people from underrepresented groups to work.
That includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, veterans, refugees, and neurodiverse people,” Ms Hewson said.
“The QRC worked with a number of key delivery partners to deliver the project including CQUniversity who developed a suite of research backed tools and guides and Social Traders who advised on social enterprise procurement to build diversity.
Ms Hewson said Resources WIDE was developed with strong support from the Queensland resources sector.
“Multiple QRC member companies committed time and resources over the past 12 months to help make the project a success,” Ms Hewson said.
“That included participation in project working groups and steering committees, assistance with research as well as putting forward the real ‘talent’ and photo shoot location that will form the centrepiece of the Resources WIDE website and marketing campaign material.
“It features real people from our sector, all of whom are from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups and are forging great careers with resources companies in Queensland,” she said.
“The modern Queensland resources sector provides great career opportunities for tens of thousands of Queenslanders and it’s important that those opportunities are available to people from all backgrounds.
“Companies understand that a strong focus on workforce inclusion leads to greater diversity and that’s good for workers and good for business,” Ms Hewson said.
The Resources WIDE Digital Hub will be especially helpful for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives and those companies wanting to expand and diversify their talent pools.
