NSW Minerals Council (NSWMC) and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter launch a new partnership to build awareness of mining sector career opportunities.
The new two-year partnership is called PRIME (Pathways to Resource Industry and Mining Employment) and will see NSWMC leverage RDA Hunter’s strong reputation for implementing industry-skilling and workforce development initiatives to increase awareness of the NSW mining industry and its career opportunities.
The new collaboration will assist Hunter secondary school students better appreciate how science, maths and geography subject matter applies across the lifecycle of a mine, and the types of skills and jobs that are required to support a mining operation. The project will include the implementation of mining-specific content, scenario-based learning activities and real-world problem solving in the classroom. This year will see 20 participating Hunter high schools receive 2 x Oculus VR sets and deliver programs to give students a ‘real’ mining industry experience.
Stephen Galilee, CEO of the NSW Minerals Council said the organisation is very happy to be working with RDA Hunter to promote the breadth of mining industry career opportunities that exist in the Hunter.
“NSW’s mining sector consistently innovates to implement leading edge technology, and international best-practice across its operations. Our aim in developing this project with RDA Hunter is to build a motivated future talent pool by encouraging interest in the diverse and interesting job opportunities available in the industry.”
According to its Chair, Mr John Turner, RDA Hunter works to support innovation-driven industry development and jobs growth in the Hunter and is pleased to support young people considering a mining industry career.
“The mining sector continues to be a large employer and important driver of economic growth in the Hunter region. We’re delighted to be NSW Mineral Council’s partner of choice for this new project. We have significant experience connecting Hunter schools with industry to deliver graduates with relevant industry knowledge and skills.
Careers Adviser and Learning Support Teacher at PRIME participating school All Saints’ College Maitland, Kim Wickham, said of the partnership, “As teachers of young, enthusiastic and energetic learners we know there is no better teacher than ‘real-world’ life experience and we see great benefit in joining this mining industry partnership to bring that into our classrooms.
