TSXPO to host Women in Hard Hats

Exciting and rewarding career opportunities for Queensland women and girls are on offer at the Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO) this weekend.

Minister for Women, Margaret Keech, said the Women in Hard Hats stand will provide a wealth of valuable information on careers in ‘hard hat’ and other non-traditional industries for women and girls.

”The stand will feature women currently working in industries such as mining, construction, science, engineering and information and communication technology (ICT),” Mrs Keech said.

“They will be available to provide visitors with the benefit of their experience and an in-depth knowledge of the careers on offer.”

This is the second year the Women in Hard Hats campaign has been a part of TSXPO, following the success of a panel event held last year to introduce high school girls to hard hat careers.

“The Bligh Government is encouraging more women and girls into non-traditional careers through the Women in Hard Hats initiative.

“This $1.4 million program promotes greater workforce participation and economic security for Queensland women.

“Many talented women already work in these fields, but the participation rate is still lower than their male counterparts. Women make up only 13% of mining and 14% of construction industry employees in Queensland.

"The Women in Hard Hats initiative is about opening your eyes to new career possibilities, and TSXPO provides a great opportunity to map out your future.

“We want women and girls to consider careers that they otherwise may not have contemplated,” Mrs Keech said.

Tina Markovic, an engineer with BMA Coal, will be at the Women in Hard Hats stand at TSXPO.

Tina was Queensland's first ever female manager of a major mining operation and the Queensland Resources Council’s inaugural winner of the Resources Award for Women.

Mrs Markovic said she strongly encourages women to consider a hard hat career.

“Part of the reason I love my job is that in 14 years in the resources industry I’ve never had a boring day. The work is always fun and every day is different,” she said.

“I can’t stress enough that the resources industry offers a variety of career options.

“You can follow five to ten career paths, within the same organisation, with only one degree.

”And you can really make a difference. I have developed excellent relationships with my peers, regulators and clients to ensure that mining organisations balance their operational needs with the environmental impact.

“It’s tremendously rewarding to be able to provide valuable input from within the industry to benefit the environment.

”Of course, the remuneration is excellent, too.”

Visit the Women in Hard Hats at stand number 51 at the TSXPO, at RNA Showgrounds, 19-20 July.

For more information visit www.women.qld.gov.au/hardhats or call 1800 177 577.

ENDS
Minister's office: 3235 9236
Note for publication: Tina Markovic can be contacted for comment on 0427 588 206.