BHP and Thiess have teamed up with the Australian Resources and Energy Group (AMMA) Bright Future STEM program to encourage students in the New South Wales Hunter Valley mining region to pursue a career in the resources industry.
With a focus on encouraging girls to join the sector, hundreds of schoolkids on March 29 and 30 were introduced to the industry’s diverse and rewarding careers, as employees from BHP and Thiess shared their professional career journeys.
Mt Arthur Coal general manager Adam Lancey said female leaders from the mine spoke to students about a career in mining.
“It’s great for the region’s students, especially the girls, to hear from women in the industry and to experience some hands-on STEM-based problem solving in an engaging and fun environment,” he said.
“We want to attract more women into mining. We know from our own data that inclusive and diverse teams are safer, more productive and have a better culture. Building an inclusive and diverse workforce is critical for BHP.”
In addition to hearing the career journeys of female role models, students learned through several hands-on and interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities which linked STEM back to real jobs in the resources and energy industry.
“The program provides a great opportunity to show students how different STEM skills can transfer to a successful mining career,” Thiess group manager – community, diversity and inclusion Anthea Craig said.
“We’re excited to partner on this valuable initiative that creates lasting value in communities where we operate and inspire the next generation.”
The program, delivered by peak industry employer group Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA, relies on partnering with local resource companies such as BHP and Thiess to expose their talented role models to the next generation.
“AMMA was thrilled to bring its Bright Future STEM Primary School program to the Hunter Valley to inspire schoolkids on STEM areas of study and build awareness of the diversity of careers within the resources and energy industry,” AMMA director operations Tara Diamond said.
“In particular, the female industry STEM role models from BHP and Thiess are critical to help break down gender stereotypes and encourage young girls to follow a passion for STEM.
“With the sector a powerhouse in the region – and a key contributor to the largest regional economy in Australia – it’s important to highlight that the Hunter will be home to countless technologically advanced STEM careers for decades to come.”