AUSMASA Chief Executive Dr Gavin Lind says the ‘Evolving together’ theme reflects how the organisation works with its stakeholders. It also outlines how to best achieve the National Skills Priorities of greater gender equity and workforce diversity, including First Nations Australians participation and priorities aligned with the National Skills Plan.  

AUSMASA’s 2025 Workforce Plan drills down to an industry subsector level, highlighting key current and future challenges.   

‘The plan indicates targeted action is needed to address ageing workforces, diversity, inclusion and technological advancement across both the automotive and mining industries,’ he said. 

‘It also highlights the key role our industries play in Australia’s net zero transition. 

‘It serves as a useful resource for industry, to inform workforce planning along with our annual schedule of work to help make change.’  

Research has been shaped and validated by over 200 consultations with industry, training providers, government representatives, unions, industry groups, and peak bodies.  

Key findings:  

Mining  

• In 2024, the mining industry contributed more than $400 billion to the Australian economy. 
• The mining industry employs more than 280,000 people. 
• Generation Z research shows that knowledge of potential career opportunities in Mining industry remained low.
• 27% of the mining workforce is female, compared to the national workforce average of 48%. 
• Female enrolments in Vocational Education and Training mining qualifications have increased by 29% since 2016. 
• 52% of mining industry stakeholders believe workplace culture has improved moderately or significantly. 
• First Nations workers make up 4.6% of the mining industry workforce, which is higher than the national workforce average of 2.6% for all industries. 
• At 12.3%, there are more than double the number of First Nations apprentices and trainees in the mining industry compared to the average for all industries, at 6.1%. 
• 25% of the metal ore workers are 50 years of age or older.
• 81% of employees at major global mines believe that artificial intelligence will significantly impact their operations within the next 10 years. 

Automotive

• In 2025, the automotive industry contributed $180.8 billion to the Australian economy. 
• The automotive industry employs more than 310,000 people.  
• 7% of the automotive workforce is in automotive manufacturing. 
• There are 21 million registered vehicles in the automotive industry. 
• Automotive industry revenue is expected/projected to exceed $180 billion, in 2024–2025.  
• Females represent 20% of the total automotive industry workforce. 
• First Nations workers make up 2% of the automotive industry workforce, which is slightly lower than the national workforce average of 2.6% for all industries. 
• 20% of automotive industry workers are 52 years of age or older.