Improving attraction and retention in the mining industry
Developing a pipeline of skilled workers is critical and comprehensive and collaborative strategies are needed to demonstrate the opportunities and benefits available to workers.
This project was undertaken under the Mining Skills Organisation Pilot (MSOP), in partnership with the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).
Underpinning the Mining Skills Organisation Pilot (MSOP) the Attraction and Retention Project Hub was developed in recognition of the need to address significant skills shortages and support ongoing growth in the mining industry.
We gathered crucial insights on workforce planning and talent pathways; and outlined the development of a mining attraction and retention framework via the Attraction and Retention Project Hub.
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Attraction and Retention workforce challenges
Barriers to entry and retention.
Key outcomes of the work
In an extension to Project Hub work, recommendations for the development of a Mining Talent Portal could be considered by the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance as part of ongoing work as a Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) under the core function Promotion, Monitoring and Implementation.
Skilling stream
The objective of this initiative was to design, develop, test and deploy a vocationally orientated skill set that would equip learners with contemporary knowledge of the mining and METS sectors.
A skill set was developed to assist individuals with relevant transferable skills to gain the necessary knowledge to enter the mining sector, or to enhance the knowledge of existing workers seeking to transition into new roles.
TAFE Queensland was engaged to design and develop the Fundamentals of Modern Mining, initially identifying key learners:
- School students
- Graduates
- Existing workers
- Transitioning workers
It is intended that after review, the Fundamentals of Modern Mining training package will be established within the TAFE system.
Year 13 Partnership
The Project Hub also gathered critical insights into how young people view the mining industry and their willingness to explore mining careers. Working in collaboration with Year13, our Resourcefulness Academy provided education and training in dispelling common myths and misconceptions, showcasing the diverse range of career opportunities available, raising awareness of mining career pathways and encouraging young people to explore opportunities within the sector.
We also undertook market research gathering valuable insights into “What Gen Zs Think Of Mining”, which assisted in the design of the Resourcefulness Academy.
Ultimately, our goal was to promote the industry as a viable and attractive career choice for a new generation.
Next steps
The Fundamentals of Modern Mining training package is being delivered by TAFE Queensland.
