On Wednesday 12 February, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter and NSW Minerals Council (NSWMC) launched their new partnership, PRIME (Pathways to Resource Industry and Mining Employment).
PRIME is a two-year partnership that 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.
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,” he said.
“Mining jobs are secure and rewarding and part of the positive contribution the industry makes to communities in the Hunter and beyond. We’re looking forward to building on the work we already do in the region’s schools to support young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for a sustained mining-industry career.”
According to its Chair, 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.
“We’re looking forward to working with NSW Minerals Council to hone our model for the mining industry and helping them highlight the career opportunities that will continue to exist in the sector well into the future,” Mr Turner said.
Careers Adviser and Learning Support Teacher at PRIME participating school All Saints’ College Maitland, Kim Wickham, said the real-life experience will be a great asset to students.
“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,” she said.
“We know mining is a sustainable employer offering a range of prosperous employment pathways for students with an interest in science, maths and geography. We are genuinely excited about this new project and keen to work with RDA Hunter again. Historically they have helped us develop strong relationships with industry which has enhanced our students’ learning and contributed to them being educated citizens of the world.”
This year the PRIME partnership will see 20 participating Hunter high schools receive 2 x Oculus VR sets and programs to give students a real mining industry experience; lesson plans pertaining to the lifecycle of a mine; real-world industry challenges set by the mining industry for resolution by student teams; and teacher professional development sessions.
IMAGE | John Turner (RDA Hunter Chair) and Stephen Galilee (CEO of NSW Minerals Council)
