While there are numerous associations across the country dedicated to supporting and connecting women within the resources industry, it can be difficult for new graduates to get off on the right foot.

This week the industry’s first dedicated virtual mentoring program was launched by the Australian Mines and Metals Association with the aim of helping women in the early stages of their careers receive the support and guidance they need, regardless of where they are located.

Launched by AMMA’s Australian Women in Resources Alliance, the e-mentoring program will connect experienced professionals with women seeking to further their resources careers, according to AMMA group services director Tara Diamond.

“The AWRA e-mentoring program is a key part of AWRA’s wider strategy to increase the participation of women in resource jobs from the current 15.2% to 25% by 2020,” Diamond said.

“The remote locations and non-traditional work schedules typical of Australia’s diverse resource industry often make it difficult for career-driven women to connect with experienced industry mentors.”

“The AWRA e-mentoring program now delivers this mentoring opportunity through a structured, supportive online portal designed to assist women to succeed in the resource industry.

“The first round of mentees and their rigorously matched mentors will be inducted into the program today and guided through a nine-month mentoring process.”

The program aims to support 105 mentees and mentors in 2013 and is a part of AMMA’s endeavours to build a highly diverse and skilled workforce for the resources industry.

International Longwall News spoke to recent mining engineering graduate Alexis Holland about the important role of mentorship within the industry.

“Women within the mining industry are a minority,” she said.

“Not only is it a male dominated industry but it is also a very ‘blokey’ industry so it is very important to have access to support from networks like this.”

Holland said that through her recent role as student representative on the AusIMM Women in Mining Network committee, she formed valuable connections with experienced people within the industry.

“There are people that I have met through industry functions and events that I’ve built relationships with and asked for advice,” she said.

“It gives you guidance when you start as a new graduate, like I just have. It’s a whole new experience, a whole new industry and there are a lot of things you don’t know.

“It’s good to be able to ask someone you respect their opinion on whether you should ask your boss this, or strive for that … those kinds of things.”

However, Holland does not believe mentoring programs will help to attract women to the industry.

“I think that good support and mentoring programs like this will help with the retention of women within the industry but will probably not help boost numbers of women entering the industry,” she said.

“I think that will take a combination of measures.”

The AWRA e-mentoring program began its pilot this month, with further intakes scheduled throughout the year.

The pilot program is funded by the Australian government and is free for women in the resources, allied and construction industries to participate as mentees and for men and women in these industries to participate as mentors.