Are you looking for a career that offers stability, hands-on work, and the chance to use your problem-solving skills?
Have you considered the mining and construction industries?
Sure, they’ve traditionally been male dominated, but more and more women are breaking barriers and making their mark in these fields. And we’ve got the proof!
We’re showcasing the stories of seven amazing women who work in these industries and are thriving in their careers. They’ll tell you all about what they love about their jobs, bust some myths, and share their thoughts on why gender equity is important. Plus, they’ll offer some tips to help other women find success in these fields too.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn why mining and construction might just be the career you’ve been looking for.
Claire Chauvier(she/her), Senior Engineer at OZ Minerals
What do you love about working in mining?
I love the complexity of the problems you are trying to solve. While there are similarities between mines, the difference in geological and environmental settings means that every mine will have its own unique problems to understand and solve.
It’s not like manufacturing where you know the exact properties of the engineering steel you are working with – all rocks are different! You cannot have a fixed mindset.
Busting myths and tips for success
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women in this industry?
I’ve talked to many men and women interested in pursuing a STEMM career. I find that women often quote “helping people” as a key driver for pursuing a career. Meanwhile, mining companies are often perceived to be making large profits at the expense of environmental and cultural damage.
This is a myth companies like OZ Minerals are trying to bust. In a low-carbon energy driven future, modern minerals like copper and nickel are critical. One of the best ways we can help people and support the renewable energy transition, is to develop safe, low-carbon mines that prioritise culture and environment.
Why do you think gender equity is important in this industry?
We need to keep challenging the whys and hows of what we do.
Fresh perspectives from people with different backgrounds and skillsets will enable this to happen. We need to foster an environment to include people, and gender equity is one part of the equation to do this. Mining professionals are retiring at a higher rate than there are new people joining the profession. We need to be encouraging more people to join the industry and not less!
What’s your best tips for other women to find success in mining?
The mining industry is made up of many different roles. Some are hands-on and site-based roles, while others are technical and office-based. If you aren’t enjoying the work or the lifestyle, don’t give up on the industry, try a different role mining has to offer.
Who knows where you will find your passion!
Kylie Judd (she/her), Project Manager at Multiplex
What do you love about working in construction?
I get to see each of our projects go from a concept and idea, to formalized design, through to a real and very tangible finished building which sits proudly amongst our city skylines.
It’s such an amazing industry to be a part of and I just love that every day is different and brings new challenges and problems to solve.
Busting myths and tips for success
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women in this industry?
That you need to be an aggressive communicator or ‘one of the guys’ to fit in or be successful.
This industry has so many different roles and so many amazing opportunities. There truly is a role for everyone and it’s just a matter of finding the right fit for you, and a supportive environment where you can grow and learn.
Why do you think gender equity is important in this industry?
I think gender equity is important in every industry. Industries that aren’t considering gender equity are missing out on all the proven benefits of a diverse workforce including better decision making and better productivity. And that is before you even get into missing out on engaging with the best staff for the role, who are easily overlooked due to gender.
In the time I’ve been in the construction industry I’ve started to see real cultural change come about purely as a result of a more diverse team. It leads to a greater range of ideas, better problem solving and in turn our project teams are producing better work and better outcomes for our clients.
What’s your best tips for other women to find success in construction?
Give everything a go and try not to limit yourself.
Sometimes the best journeys in life are the ones you don’t expect, and some of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on have been challenges I never would have put myself forward for, or thought I was even capable of!
Also, find a mentor and role models to help keep you motivated and on the right path. It’s always good to bounce ideas off someone else and a supportive network makes all the difference.
Rhyannon Paterson (they/her), Supervisor – Coal Processing, Werris Creek Mine at Whitehaven Coal
What do you love about working in mining?
I love the training and career development opportunities the mining industry offers. Every day is another opportunity to gain more experience and learn new things.
Busting myths and tips for success
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women in this industry?
That mining is a man’s game. I’ve been seeing the number of women in our workforce increasing and it is great that more of us are being attracted to the industry and thriving in doing so.
Why do you think gender equity is important in this industry?
Gender equity is important because women have just as much to bring to the table as men. Diversity in the workforce brings invaluable ideas and experience.
What’s your best tips for other women to find success in mining?
Don’t doubt yourself!
We are often too harsh on ourselves, placing roadblocks in the way of our goals. Believe in yourself and remember that the only person you should be competing against is the you that you were yesterday.
Lenor Shephard (she/her), Site Engineer at Ericsson
What do you love about working in construction?
The main thing I love about my job is knowing that what I’m installing on site will be utilized by thousands of people every day. Whether it’s supporting a triple 000 call that will save someone’s life or just a message home to mom and dad, telecommunications systems are so important and hold such an integral place in society.
I also have a lot of energy, so being able to move around and install equipment is perfect for me.
I love the people I work with. They’re supportive and this culture fosters an environment where I feel like I’m truly able to be myself and love the work I do.
Busting myths and tips for success
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women in this industry?
One myth that needs busting is that women aren’t fit to work on site or it’s too rough of a job. Trades have always been seen as something men take up because of the physical aspect and at times it can be dirty work. Men are often seen as stronger and more resilient, and women shouldn’t be seen getting their hands dirty.
I think it’s a ridiculous notion.
Women are capable of and should be able to do anything. If you have passion for a construction-related field and you love being able to work with your hands, I would definitely recommend considering a construction-related career.
Why do you think gender equity is important in this industry?
Rights and opportunities for women have come a long way but there’s still unfortunately sexism and prejudice in the world. With more women joining the industry, and building careers in it, it will help break down those ideas that may have prevented and discouraged women from working in the industry in the past.
What’s your best tips for other women to find success in construction?
For me it’s about loving what you do, having passion, and that will in turn help you hone your skills. Being able to get out of bed and be happy to go to work is such a huge benefit. If you have an interest and a passion, get in there, give it a go.
Anousha Hashemi (she/her), Exploration Manager – AFO Project from IGO
What do you love about working in mining?
The mining industry is a one-of-a-kind work environment with many career pathways and opportunities for everyone from all backgrounds. It offers the chance to travel, work in different environments and climates and the opportunity to use some of the world’s most innovative technology.
You constantly evolve in your job and no two days are the same which makes for a more exciting career. It’s an industry which is a significant driver of economic prosperity in Australia and globally and you can be part of making a real difference to the future of the world.
Busting myths and tips for success
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women in this industry?
There are many myths and misinformation about women in mining, such as the harsh environment, unsafe workplace, no work-life balance and so on. For me, the confidence gap, and the misbelief that women cannot move into senior leadership positions, needs to change.
Women are already confident in their skills and competency, it is not a lack of confidence holding them back to furthering their career in mining, this is the myth we tell to avoid the real and other systematic hidden barriers of discrimination.
Why do you think gender equity is important in this industry?
The mining industry has made significant progress towards gender equality in recent years, however there is still much to be done. We know we can achieve more if we work together and have diverse and inclusive teams, it is the ultimate driver of high performing companies.
However, it is not just about keeping women in the current workforce with attractive initiatives but also about looking into the future and identifying what the needs of the next generation of women will be, as these could be very different to what support we need now. We need to be spending time developing a different set of strategies to cater for future women and not just fixing the mistakes made in the past.
What’s your best tips for other women to find success in mining?
- Be clear on what you want and go for it!
- Positive attitude and mindset are everything, understand what motivates you and invest in yourself.
- Build your support network and always lead by example.
Marieka Vercoe (she/her), HV & Power Operations Superintendent from BHP
What do you love about working in mining?
For me it is less about a love of working in mining and more about a love of working for BHP. There are not many companies in the world that you could have such varied career opportunities within the same operation but also in other parts of the world.
Throughout the last nine years I have seen and been a part of our continually evolving culture, way of approaching work-life integration and creating/maintaining a diverse workforce part of our way of work. We have seen the benefits of this evolution through our business performance and our employee perception surveys.
Tips for success
Why do you think gender equity is important in this industry?
As society, we still have a long way to go to change the perception that organizations are just employing women to hit a target. While we have these targets, it’s not our motivation.
We know inclusive and diverse workplaces improve business performance. Our safety and performance data speaks for itself – more diverse teams are safer, more productive and have a better culture.
What’s your best tip for other women to find success in mining?
Don’t think you can’t. There is not a single role in BHP that I can think of that couldn’t be performed by a woman. So, if you see a role that sparks your interest, take a leap of faith, and apply!
Amy O’Sullivan (she/her) Sales Support Manager Mining APAC from Cummins Australia
What do you love about working in mining?
I have always found mining absolutely fascinating – even as a little girl, my favorite toys were Tonka Trucks and diggers.
Mining is fast-paced and multi-faceted, no two days are ever the same, and there are always new challenges and learning experiences to embrace. I have the pleasure of working with an incredibly passionate, experienced, and dedicated team who are committed to supporting both our people and our customers.
Busting myths and tips for success
What’s one myth you think needs to be busted to get more women in this industry?
Mining isn’t just digging holes in the ground and moving dirt. There are so many facets to the mining industry and there is a vast and diverse range of roles and professions available within. Mining is also an international industry, so there is versatility in work location and travel/relocation opportunities.
In addition, a role within the Mining industry provides on-going professional development and training, attractive salaries and benefits, flexible work hours/rosters, excellent networking opportunities and the platform to excel in your chosen role/profession, which can be especially rewarding within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Why do you think gender equity is important in this industry?
It’s no surprise that women are still underrepresented within mining, however the industry has come a long way. The majority of mining companies and organizations are actively working to improve gender balance. Diversity and gender equity promotes innovation, creativity, productivity, profitability, and adaptability, which are critical in the highly competitive and rapidly advancing world of mining.
Mining is evolving at a phenomenal rate, and the industry needs a diverse and gender balanced workforce to ‘keep up’, support transformational change and remain competitive.
What’s your best tip for other women to find success in mining?
BE BRAVE!! Use your voice and put your hand up and reach out for every opportunity that comes your way or make your own opportunities. Seek out a sponsor or mentor. Mining is no longer just a men’s game and there are so many amazing opportunities out there – you just need to GO GET THEM!!
