Mining’s subsequent era is already right here — let’s again them in
By Kristy Reilly, CEO, Gold Business Group
Jake Klein’s current piece in The Australian struck a chord. His message was clear: if Australia desires to remain a world chief in mining, we have to act now. Not simply to carry our aggressive edge, however to spend money on the folks, abilities, and programs that can carry this sector into the longer term.
On the Gold Business Group, we couldn’t agree extra.
Sure, there are actual challenges — falling enrolments in geoscience and mining engineering, a widening expertise hole in trades, rising world competitors. However there’s additionally one other aspect to the story. One which’s stuffed with momentum, innovation, and optimism.
We see it each week. Younger folks discovering what mining actually seems to be like in the present day — and being stunned by what they discover. Not the outdated stereotypes, however a contemporary, high-tech, values-driven trade the place they’ll see a future for themselves.
By our Nationwide Gold Schooling Program, greater than 80,000 college students have already explored gold-focused STEM studying, met actual trade function fashions, and linked the dots between mining and the applied sciences that form our lives — from photo voltaic panels to life-saving medical gadgets. When college students meet a geologist who grew up simply down the street, it adjustments one thing. They begin to see what’s doable. And you’ll’t aspire to one thing you’ve by no means seen.
We’ve additionally launched one among Australia’s fastest-growing trade careers platforms — Gold Jobs — serving to 1000’s of jobseekers uncover actual alternatives throughout the sector. From drone technicians and knowledge analysts to environmental scientists and metallurgists, this workforce is already reflecting the longer term: various, bold, and tech-savvy.
And our partnerships are taking that momentum even additional. By long-term help for Netball WA, West Coast Fever, and Taking pictures Stars, we’re reaching tens of 1000’s of younger folks, particularly in regional and distant areas. These applications present that our trade doesn’t simply worth output — we worth connection, teamwork, and alternative.
That’s what long-term management seems to be like. And we’re proud to work with GIG members — from explorers to world producers — who perceive that constructing tomorrow’s workforce begins in the present day.
Whereas authorities has a job to play, there’s additionally an actual alternative for trade to do extra — and plenty of already are. On the Gold Business Group, we’re seeing the affect that early schooling, profession visibility, and hands-on engagement can have. These aren’t feel-good tales — they’re good, long-term investments. Each graduate, apprentice, or technician who enters the sector helps safe our future competitiveness and retains important abilities the place they’re wanted most.
Enrolments in key disciplines stay dangerously low. Commerce pathways are below strain. And too many younger Australians nonetheless aren’t listening to the complete story about what mining gives — particularly ladies, First Nations youth, and regional college students.
That’s why we’re doubling down. On schooling. On visibility. On collaboration. On telling the true story with satisfaction.
As a result of the subsequent era isn’t simply on the best way. They’re already right here. We simply have to hold the door open — and widen it.
On the Gold Business Group, we’re dedicated to doing precisely that. And we welcome anybody who shares that imaginative and prescient to face with us.
