PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the state government’s new ten-year job strategy, which is aimed at addressing a severe critical skills shortage.

The strategy was developed in consultation with industry, including the minerals and energy sector, and will focus on providing Queenslanders with the right training and skills to match the requirements of a modern, technology-driven mining workforce. 

The state-wide strategy includes the government’s Queensland Resources Industry Workforce Plan and will provide funding and practical solutions, including cross-industry working groups, to attract more people to the industry. 

QRC CEO Ian Macfarlane said the resources sector is Queensland’s number one export industry and supports the jobs of more than 420 000 people. 

“Along with other industries, our sector is experiencing a critical shortage in skilled and experienced tradespeople as well as science, technology, engineering and maths professionals,” he said. 

“Demand for these skills will only continue to increase as resources operations become more digitised, automated and high-tech, which means our industry has a role to play in supporting the education, training and on-the-job learning for people interested in a resources career.” 

Macfarlane also welcomed the government’s allocation of A$4.6-million to extend its Gateway to Industry Skills Program, which supports school-to-work transition programs such as those run by the QRC’s Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, and the newly launched Trade to Teach program to encourage tradespeople to consider re-training as Industrial Technology and Design teachers. 

“We look forward to working with the government to bring on board the expertise we need to support our industry’s transition to a more sustainable and lower-emissions future,” he said.