Trainees and apprentices will be taught skills that better match the needs of employers in the mining industry, under a Skills Organisation pilot announced by the Morrison Liberal Government today.
The Mining Skills Organisation pilot will ensure trainees and apprentices, particularly those in remote areas, are part of a growing workforce to support the mining industry, as well as the broader Australian economy.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the pilot will prepare more Australians for highly skilled jobs in the mining industry.
“This pilot will make sure we are teaching the skills employers are demanding, whether they be heavy diesel fitters, automotive electricians, communication technicians or mine engineers.
“It will help ensure the ongoing availability of a highly skilled workforce to support the mining industry, as well as the broader economy.
“The Morrison Government is committed to a vocational education and training (VET) system that is able to deliver a strong and adaptable workforce, and provide employers with access to the skilled workforce needed to grow their businesses,” Minister Cash said.
Liberal Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson, said the Skills Organisation pilot was great news for local businesses and the community, but especially for young people in the region.
“More than a quarter of a million Australians work in the mining industry. This is an investment in Australian families and communities. This will create learning and job pathways for all, but especially our young people,” Senator Henderson said.
“The Morrison Liberal Government is committed to ensuring all Australians have opportunities for employment and prosperity and this pilot is great news for Victoria.”
The Morrison Liberal Government’s investment in the Skills Organisation pilot will also be supported by industry contribution through the Minerals Council of Australia, signifying the important buy-in from the sector.
Earlier this year, the Government announced a $525 million Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package aimed at strengthening Australia’s VET system.
As part of the package, the Morrison Liberal Government committed to establishing two Skills Organisation pilots in the priority industries of human services care and digital technologies, and is now adding the mining sector to the initiative.
The pilots give target industries the opportunity to shape the national training system to be more responsive to their particular skills needs, and to ensure that employers have confidence in the quality of VET graduates.
12 November 2019
Media contact: Kerry Ridgeway 0408 316 298