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Women in Hard Hats

Women in Hard Hats helps you to explore options for working in the mining, construction, science, engineering and technology (MCSET) industries.

Photo: Nicole Batchler

What's it all about?

Mining, construction, science, engineering and technology are vital to the future of Queensland. These industries and professions have unfortunately been seen traditionally as 'men's work'. Women in Hard Hats highlights opportunities in these careers as a viable option for Queensland girls and women. Expanding the talent pool in these industries to include both genders will ensure Queensland is competitively positioned for future economic growth.

There are already many inspiring women who have broken down occupational stereotypes to excel in careers in Queensland's emerging industries, bringing diversity, skills and expertise to these sectors. Not only are these women contributing to the prosperity of the Smart State, but they have found fulfilling, challenging and financially rewarding careers.

Women in Hard Hats promotes careers, and encourages greater participation by women, in non-traditional employment in the mining and construction industries, as well as in emerging science, engineering and technology fields.

In partnership with industry as well as with the education and training sector, the program aims to attract and retain more women to these jobs.

The Premier announced the initiative in August 2006 and further details were announced by the then Minister for Women, the Honourable Margaret Keech MP, in March 2007 in her media statement ‘Women in Hard Hats get set to join the Smart State’.

Read the introductory fact sheet about careers in these industries (PDF 459 KB).

Women in Hard Hats provides information on working in non-traditional industries at schools and careers expos throughout the state. To have Women in Hard Hats participate at your school or event contact (07) 3247 5300.

Women in Hard Hats is aligned with the Smart State Strategy 2005 - 2015, which is the centrepiece of Queensland's economic development strategy.

It's also linked to the Smart Women - Smart State Strategy: Science, Engineering and Technology Action Plan (PDF 80 KB), which outlines key strategies to increase girls' and women's participation in education, training and employment within science, engineering and information and communication technology.

Further information

For more information on the Women in Hard Hats program, email the Office for Women at hard.hats@women.qld.gov.au or phone 07 3247 5300

Alternatively, join our mailing list to stay informed about events, initiatives, publications and other news related to Women in Hard Hats and women’s workforce participation.

Last updated: 14 August 2009