Anglo American learning development and talent manager Debbie Butler said the company was looking for men and women from a range of diverse backgrounds to work in both open cut and underground environments.

“Our award-winning apprenticeship program promises the best kinds of opportunities for both men and women,” Butler said.

“Our candidates will get to work on some of the biggest pieces of equipment the industry has to offer –from haul trucks to hydraulic roof supports to state of the art coal processing plants to the hundreds of kilometres of conveyor systems that support our operations.

“Our people join, develop their skills, help us find more efficient ways of working and even become role models for the rest of industry.”

Anglo is seeking to fill 40 available apprenticeships at its mines across Australia for the electrician, auto electrician, diesel fitter and boilermaker trades.

Forbes is a passionate advocate for women considering employment in non-traditional roles.

"I saw the resources industry as an exciting and rewarding career in a challenging and stimulating working environment,” she said.

“Working in mining is never boring, it just keeps getting better."

This year automotive electrical apprentice Jessica Wust was runner-up in the woman tradesperson of the year category.

Wust started the Anglo American apprenticeship program at just 17 and, now in her fourth year, she strongly encourages other young people to pursue trades in the resources sector.

“Our growth plans in Australia and Canada are really exciting – we believe we have the best coal growth story out there and I’m looking forward to meeting the new team members we’ll find for next year’s intake,” Butler said.