The Australian mineral industry involves a diverse range of expertise and
skills. Within that, the mining industry, representing mine planning, mine
management and equipment operation, has capital intensive, high
productivity equipment and a small but skilled workforce. Continuing
education for all personnel in the workforce after formal school courses
will be an important contribution towards improving competitiveness. The non-tertiary sector represents a significant proportion of the
workforce and requires as much attention as the tertiary educated group.
Competency Based Training is now being developed for the mining industry in Australia under the National Training Board and the mining
industry is well represented in establishing standards and curriculum.
TAFE is a major source of accredited courses but some mining companies
are also developing internal courses not necessarily for external
accreditation. Articulation of such accredited courses to tertiary mining
engineering courses has been considered. The education and training of equipment operators through continuing
education requires attention to operating skills, an understanding of the
productivity factors under the direct influence of the operator and
providing product quality to the customer. The education and training of
mining engineers has been widely covered and continuing close
involvement of the mining industry is required to ensure well balanced
courses in technical and interpersonal skills as well as motivation to
continue learning for life. Postgraduate research is a part of continuing education but the mining
industry has to continually address the adequate recognition of
post-graduate qualifications for the increased technical or management
expertise and the development of better analytical and problem solving
skills which can be directed towards improving competitiveness. More
attention has to be paid to providing adequate financial incentives to
attract suitable students, particularly after attaining some experience, and
to address their professional career path with a company so they are not
significantly disadvantaged by undertaking post-graduate studies. The Chartered Professional Engineer status as provided by The
Institution of Engineers, Australia to qualified candidates is being
considered by The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy as a
further recognition of a member's specific expertise and competence in
mining and metallurgical engineering. Continuing education plays a
major part in the maintenance of the expertise and competence required
for a professional engineer to develop and also to retain chartered status. Continuing education will be a significant part of the education and
training of all the mining workforce towards improving the
competitiveness of the mining industry. The major challenges will be the
motivation of all towards lifelong learning and the integration of the
various programs towards providing the opportunity for a steady and
satisfying career progression.