The WA Mining Club recognises the value of increasing the diversity of its membership base and has begun a program of initiatives to broaden the appeal of the club and to create a more inclusive nature of our activities.
In 2018, we implemented a number of initiatives focused on increasing the proportion of female and young professional members and in 2019 we hosted our first indigenous business-themed panel. The initiatives to increase young professionals included establishing a Young Professionals group for them to run events of interest to this demographic and gain new sponsors. This focus has contributed to an increase in the proportion of young professional members from less than 1% to 15% (100 members). A Young Professional (YP) is someone who has less than twelve years of experience in the mining industry.
Whilst the Young Professionals group has great traction attracting mining professionals to their events, the sustainable goal is to ensure they are also part of the Standard Member activities and become leaders of WA Mining Club in the future. To ensure the YP’s get involved with the broader club activities and transition to Standard membership in 2021 we launched another initiative whereby mentees would benefit greatly from an industry mentor.
This year our Emerging Leaders program (previously the Buddy Program) aims to once again match a YP Member to a Standard Member who will assist in introducing them to Standard Member events and assist in developing their career in the mining industry.
Features of the program are:
The YP will be paired with a Standard Member (mentor) according to professional development sought, e.g. same profession, career growth, seeking new opportunities, wanting to understand a different industry sector, etc.
A mentoring agreement will be entered into describing the boundaries, confidentiality and expectations of the program.
As a mentor, we ask that you commit to four 1:1 sessions with the YP you are assigned, lasting one hour each.
Should you chose to continue this relationship, or meet more frequently, this is up to you and the YP.
The Standard Member and Young Professional Member will receive discounted tickets to all WA Mining Club events for the duration of the mentoring agreement (up to twelve months).
Should you wish to participate, please download the appropriate form, complete and return to DaniTamati committee1@waminingclub.asn.au or Yulu Mcgrady scholarships@waminingclub.asn.au
The WA Mining Club Young Professionals aspires to drive diversification and innovation within the mining industry, through creation of a forum that supports development and retention of young professionals. We will establish a career-long network of individuals who are building their careers in mining.
Members of the WA Mining Club receive access to a broad range of industry speakers, who discuss technical, operational, legislative and regulatory matters, as well as sharing thoughts on the broader industry.
Our monthly luncheons are regularly attended by in excess of 300 members, all eager to listen, talk and share information about their experiences with their industry peers.
Being a member of the WA Mining Club provides the very best opportunity around to meet other industry professionals and discuss topical issues, challenges and innovations with others across the spectrum of the Western Australian mining industry.
