WHETHER they are based on the Pilbara’s offshore mega-projects or within the remote coalfields of Central Queensland, women working across Australia’s vast resource sector can now benefit from the industry’s first dedicated virtual mentoring program.

Launched last week by The Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA), the AWRA e-mentoring program is connecting experienced mining, oil and gas professionals with women in the earlier stages of their careers.

This innovative online portal is delivered by AREEA with funding from the Australian Government under the National Resource Sector Workforce Strategy.

AREEA director of group services Tara Diamond, says the first round of e-mentoring partnerships has commenced, with both men and women mentors providing guidance to women seeking to further their resources careers.

“The AWRA e-Mentoring Program is a key part of AWRA’s wider strategy to increase the participation of women in resource jobs from the current 15.2% to 25% by 2020,” Ms Diamond says.

“The remote locations and non-traditional work schedules typical of Australia’s diverse resource industry often make it difficult for career-driven women to connect with experienced industry mentors.

“The AWRA e-Mentoring Program now delivers this mentoring opportunity through a structured, supportive online portal designed to assist women to succeed in the resource industry.

“The first round of mentees and their rigorously matched mentors have been undertaken training for the online portal and will be guided through a nine-month mentoring process.”

The e-Mentoring program is backed by the AWRA leadership committee comprising industry bodies, academics and AREEA members including OZ Minerals, Newcrest Mining and Caltex Australia.

“AWRA aims to support 105 mentees and mentors through the program in the first year,” Ms Diamond says.

“The online platform will guide participants through important steps such as goal setting, developing an action plan and problems solving, while communicating online and by telephone.”

Ms Diamond says AWRA e-Mentoring is another new program in a wider suite of initiatives designed to meet the evolving workforce needs of resource employers.

“Australia’s only industry-run careers website, AREEA miningoilandgasjobs.com, continues to connect employers directly with jobseekers. More than 7000 registered resumes and 1700 vacant positions are now online,” she says.

“Miningoilandgasjobs.com, along with the AREEA Skills Connect apprenticeship program and now the AWRA e-Mentoring Program continue to demonstrate that the resource industry is dedicated to building a highly diverse and skilled workforce for the benefit of all Australians.”

For more information on AWRA e-Mentoring, click here.