Australian state governments are launching their own independent incentives, competitions, and awards, following the most recent International Youth Day earlier this week (12 August) focused on skills and capability.
In Australia alone, the youth unemployment rate increased to 9.6% as of June 2025 – representing more than double the national average of 4.2%, according to data compiled from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Yet, the mining industry is still struggling to appeal to a growing, untapped demographic.
Several organisations and governments are addressing these challenges, with the Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael launching the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) 2026 Scholarships round, earlier this week.
MRIWA PhD Scholarships are awarded to support outstanding PhD candidates pursuing research related to the minerals industry at any Western Australian university.
Four scholarships will be offered for 2026, including an indigenous scholarship which will be awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander postgraduate students undertaking a higher degree by research.
Michael says the scholarships provide an opportunity for researchers to conduct with industry, academia, and government.
“Through their engagement with MRIWA, scholars gain valuable skills, expand their professional networks and continue to address the unique research challenges faced in the Western Australia minerals sector,” he says.
Queensland opportunities
Meanwhile, the Queensland Government is showcasing the contributions of women in manufacturing and honouring two of Queensland’s apprentices.
Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last announced the winners of the Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards 2025 at the start of this week, with Samantha Jones earning the Leading Apprentice Award.
Johnson is a mother of two and has been recognised for her resilience through her early working career and efforts to be a role model and mentor to other young apprentices.
Last also announced Jessica Martin for the Highly Commended Apprentice Award, which is sponsored through Manufacturing Skills Queensland. Martin was recognised for her advanced technical skills and passion for advocating for safety in the workplace.
The winners have received $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, to fund education, career development, or tools and uniforms related to their trades.
As Mining.com.au reported, Aileen Hu, Queensland’s Outstanding Academic Achiever for 2024 and former Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy student, says that it is crucial to have education and mentorship throughout the entire chain of learning.
Aileen Hu – who is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce, which will lead into a Masters of Engineering, at the University of Melbourne – is fascinated by the robust nature of the mining and commodities market, as well as how it reacts and absorbs the influence of global dynamics.
“That’s what is really fascinating and has really motivated me to continue on this path,” she says.
Minister Last says the manufacturing industry is among the biggest employers in the state, and as the industry grows so do the opportunities.
“Whether you’re working in a lab, behind a desk, or in a workshop there are exciting opportunities for women to design or make products that solve real problems or that consumers love,” Last says.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving women’s economic security and boosting the representation of women in secure and rewarding jobs across the manufacturing sector.
“There is no cookie-cutter career in manufacturing, you could work in a shed or in a lab – the only guarantee is that it won’t be boring.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Western Australian Government & Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy
