Natural Resources
Advanced Education and Skills
Education and Early Childhood Development
Executive Council
October 9, 2014
Encouraging Job Creation in the Mineral Industry
New Publication Targets Career Opportunities for Women
Today, the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, launched the Women in Mining Career Connections information guide. As the first publication of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador, the guide is a unique educational tool designed for students and teachers at the intermediate, senior high and post-secondary levels.
“The Women in Mining Career Connections information guide is a helpful tool for students and teachers wanting to learn more about opportunities in the mining industry which is rich in mineral and human resources. In 2014, mineral shipments are projected to be $3.8 billion. Over 8,000 individuals are directly employed in this industry and the majority of the province’s mining operations are based in rural communities.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources
The information guide includes questions to consider when choosing a career in the province’s mineral resource industry and personal profiles of female workers. The guide also provides a diverse list of career options and other resources to support women with career and employment goals.
“This is an unprecedented time of opportunity in our province, especially for women. As a government, we are focused on strategic workforce development activities that align with the wide range of employment opportunities now available in our growing resource sectors. The new guide will complement our efforts to encourage women to consider an alternative career path as they learn and benefit from the experiences of those in the industry.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills
Through the assistance of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the information guide has been distributed to intermediate and senior high schools throughout the province.
“The mining industry offers our students tremendous opportunities to work and live in their home province. This resource complements the efforts of teachers and the school curriculum to introduce young women to these career opportunities, and to encourage dialogue among staff and students, so that all recognize there are many paths to success in our growing economy.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
Newfoundland and Labrador is a leader in Canada for gender equity and diversity. Women’s employment plans are in place with several mining companies active in the province.
“Gender equity is a top priority of this government. Since 2002, the Provincial Government has been requiring industry partners to develop women’s employment plans in large resource development projects to ensure that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including women, are availing of every opportunity in the resource sector. This guide provides important career information to young women about opportunities in an under-represented field and is especially helpful in making their career decisions.”
- The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
The development of the information guide was a partnership initiative between the Provincial Government, Mining Industry NL, and the provincial branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
“By profiling these success stories of women who work in mining, this guide demonstrates that the mineral industry offers a wide range of rewarding job opportunities for women. With over 120 different occupations to choose from, women have more opportunity than ever before to pursue a career in this exciting and diverse industry.”
- Heather Bruce-Veitch, Director, Communications & External Relations, Rio Tinto/Iron Ore Company of Canada and Chair, Mining Industry NL
The guide is available at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/publications/index.html#dept_sc
QUICK FACTS
- Today, the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, launched the Women in Mining Career Connections information guide.
- As the first publication of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador, the guide is a unique educational tool designed for students and teachers at the intermediate, senior high and post-secondary levels.
- The guide includes questions to consider when choosing a career in the mineral resource industry.
- It has been distributed to schools in the province and is also available at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/publications/index.html#dept_sc
- The project was a partnership initiative between the Provincial Government, Mining Industry NL, and the provincial branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Michelle Hunt-Grouchy Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753, 725-1593 michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca |
| Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Sara Norris Program, Policy and Communications Analyst Women’s Policy Office 709-729-6225, 631-9962 saranorris@gov.nl.ca |
| Heather Bruce-Veitch Director Communications & External Relations Rio Tinto/Iron Ore Company of Canada 709-722-4200 Heather.bruce-veitch@riotinto.com |
2014 10 09 10:10 a.m.