The Queensland Government has announced $500,000 in funding to support the Queensland Resources Council to deliver the Women in Resources: Empowering Development (WIRED) pilot program, focused on upskilling and reskilling women into advanced site-based roles.
Queensland’s resources sector contributes more than $44 billion to the economy and supports more than 82,000 jobs, many of them in regional Queensland.
The WIRED program will deliver targeted training for roles including machinery operators, plant technicians, and site supervisors while supporting women transitioning into higher-level operator and technician roles.
Early engagement across the sector has commenced, with the program expected to launch in mid-2026.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates said the investment was about backing a sector that drives jobs and regional growth.
“We are backing one of Queensland’s economic powerhouses by delivering the skilled workforce it needs to keep growing,” Minister Bates said.
“We are making sure women have clear, practical pathways into higher-skilled, higher-paid roles on site.
“When you expand opportunities in a $44 billion industry, you strengthen the entire economy.”
Queensland Resources Council CEO, Janette Hewson said WIRED was part of the Council’s drive to attract and retain exceptional talent.
“This program is about enabling and retaining women in technician and operator roles to move into site-based leadership roles,” Ms Hewson said.
“Our vision is an industry where women with technical skills have a clear pathway to more senior roles and can thrive in these roles long-term.
“By supporting women who are working onsite, we create a workplace culture where everyone can thrive.”
