UQ strengthens mining education
Driven by the evolving needs of the global resources sector, The University of Queensland (UQ) is expanding its portfolio of postgraduate qualifications and professional development specifically designed to equip engineering professionals with the skills they need to tackle the most complex challenges.
In collaboration with Thiess, a global mining services provider, UQ has co-designed postgraduate qualifications that offer valuable new pathways for engineering professionals looking to transition into the mining industry.
Designed with industry, for industry, these courses offer a blended learning approach that combines academic knowledge with practical training, allowing students to continue working full-time while studying part-time.
Jackson Paynter a Thiess graduate mining engineer, is part of the first cohort to begin the new Graduate Certificate in Mining Operations this semester. Jackson shared how the mix of remote learning, on-the-job training, and intensive on-campus modules is helping him gain valuable hands-on experience alongside developing the theoretical knowledge he needs.
“This course has been a great opportunity to learn new concepts and apply them directly in the field. The flexibility to balance full-time work with study has made it a really practical and rewarding experience.”
– Jackson Paynter, Thiess Graduate Mining Engineer
Ross McAree, Head of UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, emphasised the significance of an industry-driven approach, explaining how this collaboration with Thiess is transforming mining education by bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry expertise.
“At UQ, we’ve been training a skilled workforce for the mining sector for 75 years – and the nature of that training has evolved consistently over that period to meet the sector’s ever-changing needs.
Work-integrated learning stands as a fundamental pillar of our approach with these new qualifications, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry experience. By co-designing these new specialised post-graduate qualifications alongside our industry partner Thiess, we’re helping develop the next generation of industry leaders who can drive innovation, safety, and sustainability in resource development through an education based in real-world problem-solving and hands-on experience.”
– Professor Ross McAree, Head of UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering
Peter Rule, Thiess Operations Director – Australia East, highlighted the value of bringing together Thiess as a global mining services provider, and UQ, a world-class tertiary educator, to offer academically recognised qualifications for engineering professionals looking to transition from non-mining disciplines into the mining industry.
“It’s a powerful partnership bringing together our inhouse learning and development centre, Thiess Institute, and our experienced Technical Services professionals, with UQ to shape and influence course content along with developing a flexible learning model to allow students to continue to work in the industry full-time while advancing their formal mining qualifications.”
– Peter Rule, Thiess Operations Director – Australia East
A Holistic Approach to Supporting the Future of Mining
The strong partnership with industry and depth of research expertise is reflected across UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and the University’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). This holistic approach to mining education and development ensures that students are not only equipped with the knowledge required for mining operations but also the practical skills needed to excel in the field.
SMI is a world-leading research institute committed to developing knowledge-based solutions to meet the global sustainability challenges facing the resources sector. Through its inter-disciplinary approach, SMI researchers integrate expertise in geoscience, workplace health, safety and risk, environmental management, social responsibility, organisational improvement and mineral security to create unique capabilities and collaborations.
“A key focus for SMI is training the next generation of industry and community leaders through higher degrees by research and professional development courses.”
– Professor Rick Valenta, Director Sustainable Minerals Institute
Industry Support Through Professional Development
SMI’s professional development options are designed and delivered by experts to support people working in the resources sector advance their careers or fill specific knowledge gaps. The Institute delivers masterclasses, bespoke training to industry and communities impacted by mining, and its portfolio of public courses continues to grow across all key areas including:
- SMI’s technology transfer company JKTech also offers a range of training to address critical mining and mineral processing challenges.
UQ’s collaborative approach and continued investment in the future of mining education and research reflect its commitment to providing high-quality, relevant programs that address both the current and future needs of the industry.
For more information on UQ’s postgraduate and professional development programs in mining, visit:
- Graduate Certificates in Resource Development – https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/graduate-certificate-resource-development-5773
- Graduate Diploma in Resource Development – https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/graduate-diploma-resource-development-5774
- SMI professional development – https://smi.uq.edu.au/professional-development
- JKTech Pty Ltd professional development https://jktech.com.au/professional-development
 is expanding its portfolio of postgraduate qualifications and professional development specifically designed to equip engineering professionals with the skills they need to tackle the most complex challenges. In collaboration with Thiess, a global mining services provider, UQ has co-designed postgraduate qualifications that offer valuable new pathways for engineering professionals looking to transition into the mining industry.){kind=link}