Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

Sally Hansen on the job as a coal terminal operator.

Girls and women considering their job options in 2012 can look to a range of non-traditional roles in industries such as construction, science, mining, engineering and technology. Across Australia and the world, Queensland women are being recruited for jobs in these industries that offer excitement and economic security.

Sally Hansen of Mackay is certainly breaking tradition when it comes to employment.

The former locomotive driver has recently started work as a coal terminal operator in the mining industry.

“I was keen to enter the mining industry because it offered a more stable career path than my previous work as a seasonal locomotive driver in the cane industry,” Sally says.

“As a terminal operator I am involved in the day-to-day operations of the movement of coal around the terminal.”

Sally took the first steps towards working in mining when she attended a Women in Hard Hats seminar in January 2011 after reading about it in the local newspaper.

“The seminar provided an overview of non-traditional industries such as mining, building and construction,” she says.

“Through that seminar and follow-up programs, I received the advice I needed to take the necessary steps towards working in the mining field.”

Sally says it’s important women see other women succeeding in non-traditional industries.

“Suddenly it opens up a whole new spectrum of career opportunities for them,” she says.

Find out more

To help women enter careers in ‘hard-hat’ industries, the Department of Communities’ Office for Women will hold information sessions across Queensland in 2012.

To stay informed, subscribe to the Office for Women mailing list.

Hear from other women working in ‘hard hat’ industries or phone 1800 177 577 for more information.

Girls in hard hats

Girls in Hard Hats was launched in 2011 as an expansion of the Women in Hard Hats initiative to make more young women aware of the non-traditional career choices available to them.  “I love the sense of achievement when I have finished working on a project, and I turn around and say that I’ve worked to build that.” Chantelle — school-based apprentice carpenter.