Career Opportunities in the Minerals and Resources Sector

Clare Farrell and Dianne Stuart

Minerals Council of Australia

Minerals Industry Overview> Two years into a supercycle of global demand for mineral commodities> Predicted 10 -15 year growth to new platform of activity> Demand for commodities by China, India, Russia and Brazil> Mining and exploration in all states of Australia (except ACT)> Over 52 new resources and energy projects under construction> Unprecedented $134.7B capital investment underway> 351 Operating mine sites throughout Australia

Growth in Minerals Industry Employment> 2008 >130,000 direct employees> 1.3% of current national workforce> Skilled labour - 70% growth or 90,000 people by 2020:

> WA - Half of this growth required> SA - Double current workforce> QLD - 50% of current workforce

> 33% Trades> 33% Skilled Operators / Miners> 10% Professionals - mining related disciplines

Targeted Awareness Strategy

> Career pathways into the industry

> Case studies and job profiles

> Education and Training pathways

> Links to Apprenticeship and Traineeship programs

> Graduate programs and ‘Vac Work’ information

www.MiningCareers.com

MiningCareers.com> One-Stop industry career information portal> Support material -

> pathway charts > brochures > posters & postcards

> 4 Focus areas for chronic skills shortage:> Engineering> Geoscience> Electrical Trades> Mechanical / Metal Trades

Example of Career Pathways

VET - Apprenticeships

Tertiary - University Anna - Exploration Geologist

Travis - Apprentice Mechanical Fitter

Interest in Mechanics > Finished year 12 > Pre-apprenticeship > Apprenticeship with Oxiana

Interest in Science > Finished Year 12 >Bachelor of Science (Geology & Environment) >Vac Work and Honours Year Research > Position at Oxiana

Average salary (Cert IV): $70,000 - $100,000+

Average starting salary (Graduate): $60,000 - $85,000+

> ‘High-Tech’ industry

> Wide range of work environments & arrangements

> Highly trained workforce - 90% of industry is privately trained

> Global industry with opportunities to develop large skills set, career development & travel

Advice for Careers Advisors