The South Australian government has launched a new industry program that will support 60 women who are currently working in South Australia’s defence and resources industries to further develop their knowledge and skills.

 

Employment, Training and Further Education Minister Jack Snelling launched the Women Influencing the Defence and Resources Industries program, a joint initiative under the State Government’s Industry Partnership Program, in collaboration with the Defence Teaming Centre and the Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance.

 

The program will be funded with $100,000 through the government’s Industry Partnership Program, which will be matched by $100,000 from industry.

Mr Snelling said the government was committed to growing and sustaining South Australia’s defence and resources industries, and had a key target to increase the state’s defence industry workforce to 28,000 by 2013.

 

“We’re making good progress towards this target, but if we are to maintain this growth, we’ll need to increase the number of women in the workforce.”

 

“Likewise, the resources industry currently employs more than 7000 employees, but less than 10 per cent of these are female.”

 

Mr Snelling said it was essential that the pool of very talented women in these sectors is developed and supported – particularly in the executive ranks – to influence workplace culture and improve equity and diversity.

 

“The Women Influencing the Defence and Resources Industries program will develop these 60 women to influence decision making and business performance by supporting their roles and responsibilities as managers, directors, mentors and industry advocates,” he said.

 

Over the course of the 11-month program, the women will participate in leadership and mentoring workshops and networking opportunities.  The participants will also have the opportunity to act as ambassadors for their industries in programs within the broader community.