WOMEN IN HARD HATS GET SET TO JOIN THE SMART STATE

Minister for Women Margaret Keech today announced the strategic directions for the Beattie Government’s Women in Hard Hats election commitment.

Mrs Keech said the initiative would encourage women to consider careers in non-traditional occupations and help address skills shortages.

“It is time to break down old occupational stereotypes and promote Mining, Construction, Science, Engineering and Technology (MCSET) and other ‘hard hat’ careers as a viable option for Queensland girls and women,” she said.

“These are growing industries and right now they are facing a major skills shortage.

“We want all Queenslanders to be a part of this exciting new stage in our state’s booming economy and to reap the economic rewards that come with it.

“There are already many inspiring women excelling in careers in Queensland’s emerging industries bringing diversity, skills and expertise to these sectors.”

Mrs Keech said the Office for Women would also take the program to rural and regional Queensland.

“We will be working with industry as well as with education and training stakeholders to deliver the Women in Hard Hats program,” she said.

“Industry bodies, such as the Resources Council, have already shown great interest in programs that will actively target and encourage women into the MCSET industries.

“They too realise that the attraction and retention of women into these fields is a necessity and essential for the long-term prosperity of the Smart State.”

Mrs Keech said the highly successful Bright Future – Shining Stars student panel event would be extended from Brisbane to regional areas in coming months.

“The student events will profile local female champions working in MCSET industries and will showcase the wide range of careers available in non-traditional industries to women and girls,“ she said.

“But it is not just about promoting these careers to girls and women; it’s also about making sure they are supported once they join the mining and construction industry.

“So we will also be delivering other initiatives which include:

• Promoting good employment practices to MCSET industries;
• A social marketing campaign to encourage an improved community perception of jobs in the sectors for women and girls; and
• A web-based ‘One Stop Shop’ for information relating to careers in MCSET.”

More information will be available shortly on the Office for Women website at www.women.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 177 577.

Media contact: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007