New data shows the number of apprentices and trainees in the Australian mining industry increased 19% in 2022, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
The figures, released yesterday, confirmed 7,689 apprentices and trainees joined the mining workforce in 2022, which included a 14% increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and a 26% jump for women compared to 2021.
Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable says apprenticeships and traineeships are an important pathway into the minerals industry, with high demand for qualified tradespeople in highly paid and secure jobs.
“The mining industry has for decades invested in collaborative partnerships such as developing tailored work readiness, apprenticeship and traineeship, cadetship and recruitment pathways,” she said.
“The growth in female apprentices and trainees reflects the industry’s commitment to increasing the representation of women across the workforce, a trend that must continue.
“Apprentices gain skills for life and the demand for skilled workers is forecast to increase, with Australian mining investing billions in adopting the latest technology to improve safety, productivity and decarbonise.”
Ms Constable calls for policy settings to be changed to encourage new employment opportunities for more Australia.
“The Federal Government’s ‘Same Job, Same Pay’ proposed legislation would severely impact the Australian mining industry’s ability to employ more apprentices, due to the requirement to pay them the same as more experienced workers who are directly employed,” she said.
“Instead of making the industry more competitive and attractive for investment, the Federal Government’s proposed legislation would be a handbrake on mining wages, investment and jobs growth.”
