Young has a long list of achievements in her career, which really took off when she was accepted into the BHP graduate program in 2014, taking her from Brisbane to Blackwater.

She has worked at Blackwater mine, Caval Ridge, Norwich Park, South Walker Creek, Poitrel and Saraji, before her most recent position at Peak Downs mine.

She also promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers and mentors and encourages female students to pursue careers in the resources and engineering industry.

Young said her role supported her endeavours and encouraged her to continue leading the way for young women by drawing on her personal experience as a young female engineer.

"I've had to learn how to coach and break down barriers and prejudices so that we can improve the way we do things rather than just do them the way they've also been done," she said.

"I believe that attracting women to pursue careers in the resources industry should begin at school and university."

Young recalled significant career highlights in 2018 such as achieving Chartered Professional status in the area of Geotech with AusIMM; being registered as a Professional Engineer of Queensland; and being named Practitioner of the Year by the Bowen Hunter Open Cut Geotechnical Society recognising her contributions to the industry.

Not one to shy away from volunteering and supporting local communities, Young has volunteered for the past five years as a general committee member with Space Design Competitions Australia, travelled to India as a technical team mentor, attended the Bowen Basin Geotech Society annual event to encourage students to pursue a career in the mining geotechnical field, and actively volunteered as a mentor for the University of Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge for students in Brisbane and Moranbah.