Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) CEO Tania Constable has lauded the launch of the More to Mining careers guide, which seeks to promote the “real world of modern Australian mining”.
Launched by Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews at the University of Queensland, in Brisbane, on Thursday, the guide tells the stories of people working in the industry, as well as providing information on the varied roles on offer, including drone pilot, environmental scientist, artificial intelligence developer and data analyst and geologist.
It also highlights the diversity of the industry – including women and Aboriginal Australians who have embraced the opportunities available – and promotes the different pathways into the industry.
MCA pointed out that Australian mining employed about 240 000 people in highly paid, highly skilled jobs. The industry offers the highest average weekly earnings in Australia of $2 721 a week, 64% higher than Australian average weekly earnings.
“A strong cooperative effort by state and federal governments and the minerals industry will be crucial in increasing the number of apprentices across Australia,” Constable said.
The More to Mining careers guide will be promoted to teachers, careers advisers, students and parents across Australia to show that there’s more to Australian mining.