Filling the resources skills gap

By Adam Hegarty    

Young mining graduates have been identified as important in quelling technical skills shortages in the sector.

As experienced miners approach their eventual use-by dates, mining courses in the country’s education sector are expanding to encourage students to enter the industry.

The Federal Government’s $2.5 billion Trade Training Centres in Schools program aims to allow all secondary students to access vocational education. This includes the state’s new $2.3 million trade training centre at Thebarton Senior College.

Minotaur Exploration chief geologist Richard Flint says it is important to have a blend of expertise.

“You don’t just want old, experienced people because, of course, they get to their use-by date,” he says.

“The best thing about young graduates is they are prepared to spend time away in the bush and months on rigs.

“On-the-job training and experience is still required after they (get their qualifications) but it’s definitely in our company’s best interests to train them.”

Mr Flint encourages students in mining courses to search for work early.

“The best thing is for them to contact various companies to get vocational employment over the summer months,” he says. “Contacting companies and getting part-time work will give them a better feel for what the industry is about and figure out their speciality.”

Thebarton Senior College’s training facility provides secondary students with qualifications in mining and resources while completing their South Australian Certificate of Education.

Rebecca Moyle, 23, Josh Parker, 17, and George Imani, 20, are among about 1000 Year 11 and 12 students completing a mining course at Thebarton Senior College.

Principal Kim Hebenstreit says demand for apprentices will grow in SA with the proposed Olympic Dam mine expansion.

“A significant number of our trade students have already accepted apprenticeships and some are now fully qualified and working in the mining industry,” he says.

Qualifications in the mining industry:

• About 63 per cent have post-school qualifications
• 22 per cent have a bachelor degree
• 27 per cent have a Certificate III or IV

Number of workers:

• 8800 in SA (217,100 nationally)
• About 63 per cent have post-school qualifications
• 22 per cent have a Bachelor degree
• 27 per cent have a Certificate III or IV

Common mining career options:

• Mine surveyor
• Metallurgist
• Mine geologist
• Mining engineer
• Excavator operator
• Underground driller
• Electrician
• Boilermaker/welder

Article from CareerOne