Australia’s mining and energy sectors are poised for growth with an estimated 107 major projects valued at $130.9 billion expected to proceed by 2029, according to the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA).
As these projects come online, the resources and energy sector will need to directly employ an additional 26,810 employees — increasing the workforce by an additional 9.4% over five years.
The demand for workers within the industry comes at a time when the sector is already a vital contributor to the Australian economy, as Mining.com.au previously reported the nation’s resources and METS sectors combine to contribute an estimated 15% towards the nation’s GDP and about 75% of exports.
Despite the robust pipeline of projects, the industry grapples with a severe skills shortage.
In May 2024, AREEA reported that the nation’s resources and energy sector employed just 287,600 people — 35,300 fewer than the previous year and the lowest employment figure in the past three years.
This shortage can be linked to a concerning lack of awareness among younger generations about key fields within the sector.
In Queensland, where the resources and energy industry directly employs 77,900 people, there are growing concerns over the state’s ability to meet the workforce of new mining and energy projects, as reported by AREEA.
To counter this, the Queensland Government is doing its part to equip the state’s workforce with the skills needed for the mining industry.
On 21 March 2025, the state government announced nearly $2 million will be allocated for upskilling through target training programs across early childhood, mining, tourism, construction and primary industries.
For mining, $224,900 will be allocated to the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) to support a micro-credentials project called safer management structure. The program, delivered online state-wide, involves working at heights, as well as slinging, lifting, and pulling.
The QRC, in collaboration with a range of stakeholders such as the Minerals Council of Australia and the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA), is actively working to identify and support pathways for the future workforce.
In addition, through the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, students are being encouraged to explore long-term career opportunities in the resources sector.
QMEA develops hands-on programs to keep pace with the skills needed for the careers of the future in trades and professions. The industry-led program also supports teachers to ensure they are confident in bringing STEM-based topics to students in an engaging way.
Skills shortages
As this news service previously reported, a survey released earlier this year from the Australian Geoscience Council (AGC) and Fiftyfive5 found a daunting trend, showing the lack of awareness among high school and university students about earth science and geoscience — extremely relevant to the resources and energy sector — as a viable career path.
The AGC reported 42% of respondents were unaware of earth sciences as an area of study, while 55% were unaware of geoscience. Meanwhile, 67% of respondents were unaware of mineral processing as an area of study.
This knowledge gap poses a challenge in attracting the next generation of workers to the mining and resources sector.
To address the skills gap, it is essential to recognise that skills shortages can’t be tackled without accessible learning and employment pathways.
According to recruitment agency Hays, more than 90% of new jobs in Australia require post-secondary qualifications, with 44% of these roles primarily accessible through vocational education and training (VET).
VET is learning that directly relates to getting a job. The VET system delivers education and training services at every stage of life, including being a student, job seeker, or already employed.
In the mining and resources sector, the skills gap is particularly noticeable, as Hays’ 2025 Skills Survey found at least 10% of organisations report experiencing an extreme skills gap, while 35% face a moderate gap, 39% experience a minor gap, and 16% report no skills gap at all.
The survey also found a significant challenge for most organisations within mining and resources (52%) is the scarcity of necessary skills within their team, with 43% reporting difficulty sourcing the required talent.
Hays’ survey, including 5,623 respondents across Australia and New Zealand, highlights the need for effective pathways to fill these gaps.
Attracting young talent
Techforce Personnel, a mining recruitment company, says one of the key obstacles in recruiting new staff is attracting younger talent who are deterred by the problematic environmental reputation of the mining industry.
According to a report by consultancy company Accenture, released last year, more than 65% of Gen Z view the mining sector negatively, while only 7% of the emerging generation aspire to join it.
To address this, Accenture says the industry must modernise its technology investments and foster a more inclusive and innovative work environment.
“By focusing on a modern, inclusive work environment and offering robust upskilling opportunities, the industry can appeal to Gen Z’s values and attract a diverse, skilled workforce,” the company says.
As Australia’s resources sector continues to grow and projects shift from development phases into operations, these initiatives will be vital in ensuring the mining industry can keep pace with the demand for skilled workers.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: AREEA, Pilbara Minerals & Stock
