Alexandra is an accountant at a mining site in the Pinjarra, in Western Australia. She isn't your average accountant - especially when it's revealed she began in the mining industry as a Chemical Engineer in Sao Luis, Brazil.

"I have seen safety officers struggle to connect to workers on the job if they don't have the industry experience. Industrial and mining work has helped me integrate as a safety officer." Says Veronica French, Safety officer at Dawson's Engineering.

"I think my mantra for enjoying work is if you go to work and don't learn something, get another job. The world is your oyster if you keep learning things." And this has served Helen Gluer very well throughout her career, for she's now the CEO of Tarong Energy.

Her parents wanted Jacqui to get into medicine, but she wasn't interested. She decided to get a hands-on role where she could savour the country side and challenge her scientific mind - with a job in metallurgy in mining.

Not many recent graduates have quite so much variety in their work - and as much freedom to pursue their passions - as this Environmental Officer in rural New South Wales. Her average day could be dealing with everything from feral animals to public speaking.

Drilling for Success: Tim Austin is just 22 and enjoying the rewards of a career in the booming mineral resources industry.

Jason Cullen was a diesel mechanic in the Army before he made the switch to training. He now looks after more than 100 mining apprentices.