The Minerals Council of Australia welcomes the expert panel recommendations to the federal Education Minister, the Hon Jason Clare MP, on how to expand university opportunities in regional areas and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across the country.
More mining-related courses at universities and better cooperation with vocational education will make this happen.
The minerals industry has more than 100 rewarding, highly-paid and secure careers to choose from across Australia. Many of these require a university qualification.
Improving accessibility of higher education, with better links to related vocational education and training providers, through the Regional and Suburban University Study Hubs will increase opportunity, choice and pathways to employment.
Through improved access to higher education, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will have greater access to stable employment opportunities.
Education and employment are key features of Closing the Gap, and achieving this also includes access to support services, including stable housing and healthcare.
The MCA will work with government to understand the skills and employment requirements for regional and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people ensuring that the gap is closed within a generation.
The MCA supports the interim reports recommendations that will help ensure more highly qualified and skilled young people from regional and remote communities are able to return home, while taking up a career in mining.
Through the MCA’s Minerals Tertiary Education Council (MTEC), the industry is piloting Industry Liaison Coordinators within universities, to create stronger industry, institution, and community linkages.
Central Queensland University has taken its Industry Liaison Coordinator on the road in regional Queensland to connect students with careers in the mining industry.
Through MTEC, Central Queensland University is refreshing the curriculum to embed Indigenous perspectives in mining across courses.
MTEC also funded courses supporting pathways into university, such as micro-credentials in the foundations of modern mining through Curtin University and the University of Queensland.
The industry recognises that there is more work to be done to address the challenges faced by universities and the broader tertiary education ecosystem.
Tania Constable
CEO, Minerals Council of Australia
