The Mining Industry Skills Centre has selected a number of students to take part in a workplace initiative to improve economic growth for local communities in north Queensland.
The Work Readiness Program is being run with key industry and government players to encourage development of the next generation of workers and sustain growth in the region.
Mining Industry Skills Centre CEO, Derek Hunter, says the program was developed in response to the need for an entry-level course for inexperienced, non-industry employees.
“It is in these turbulent and uncertain times that we need to focus on our strategic planning and the effective allocation of training resources,” he said.
“Now is the time to be shaping our future so that there will be enough skilled workers available to ensure that we have a strong and productive mining workforce for the future.”
Students underwent a competitive selection process before 11 participants were chosen, including eight indigenous students and several females.
Students will undertake classroom-based and on-site training and assessment, as well as first aid and defensive driving training and mine site engagement.
Hunter says past programs have provided students with an accelerated pathway to work within the mining industry delivered high success rates for securing full time positions.
Work Readiness, shaping our future for a strong and productive workforce