The Queensland Government has delivered a plan to support the growth of the resources industry’s workforce.
The state has committed to delivering a roadmap that will build a “skilled, adaptable, and resilient” workforce to capitalise on opportunities in the state’s resources industry.
The Queensland Resources Workforce Plan intends to provide practical, results-driven solutions through 29 targeted actions that align skills and training with current and emerging industry needs.
Some actions listed in the plan are already underway, including the expansion of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and a pilot program to boost female participation.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment, and Training Ros Bates says the state government is backing the Queensland Resources Workforce Plan with $159 million in the budget for subsidised vocational qualifications used across the resources sector.
“This sector is one of the pillars of Queensland’s economy, and as the Crisafulli government continues to unlock resources opportunities, we’re also delivering the workforce needed to make the most of them,” Bates says.
“Our workforce plan is centred on building a pipeline of future workers, boosting the number of women and other under-represented groups in the industry and delivering proper skills and training to support the businesses that support Queensland.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development Dale Last says a strengthened regional workforce is necessary to leverage the state’s strengths in mining and manufacturing.
“The Queensland Resources Workforce Plan will help us shore up Queensland’s mining workforce for generations to come,” Last says.
“The plan responds directly to the needs of the resources industry and supports the Crisafulli government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy 2025–2030, which recognises that a strong workforce is critical to our success.
“By investing in people, Queensland’s resources sector will continue to power our economy and ensure we have the workforce required to meet the needs of our traditional industries like gas and coal, as well as our emerging critical minerals sector.”
The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and an industry-education initiative that partners with the resources industry to deliver STEM and trade workshops.
QRC CEO Janette Hewson says the plan proves that workforce development is fundamental to the state’s economic future.
“QRC welcomes the release of the Resources Workforce Plan and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to its development through early consultation,” Hewson says.
“It is pleasing to see the plan’s recognition of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy as a QRC-led flagship education and industry engagement program.
“Continued investment in proven initiatives such as QMEA, alongside targeted programs such as WIRED, will be critical to attracting more young people, supporting regional participation, retaining skilled workers, and expanding career opportunities for women and other under-represented groups.
“The priorities identified closely align with QRC’s Workforce Attraction and Retention Strategy, particularly building the talent pipeline and increasing participation of women and other under-represented groups.”
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Queensland Government
