Developing future-ready skills in local communities

• ensuring future skills needs of the sector are met 
• delivering regional employment opportunities
• providing training and education pathways to encourage careers in the critical minerals sector

Why a focus

Globally, the critical minerals industry is experiencing acute skills shortages, with new skills requirements emerging in areas like chemical and process engineering, advanced manufacturing and mine rehabilitation.

The skills required for critical minerals projects are different from those needed in traditional mining operations. These projects often involve complex chemical processing techniques and advanced materials engineering, as well as a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social governance. Ensuring projects have access to the right skills at the right time will help deliver certainty in investment decisions and development of new projects.

This means a dedicated approach is needed to develop the workforce in the critical minerals sector. Targeted training programs that can bridge this gap are needed, providing the workforce with the skills to galvanise the development of the NSW critical minerals and high-tech metals industry.

Driving the development of skills, in partnership with universities, TAFE, and research institutions, to support specialised and well-paid jobs is a key focus for the NSW Government. This will support regional communities to take advantage of local employment opportunities in new, emerging industries.

What we heard

Key themes emerged from the consultation around the need for reinvestment in regional education, particularly through TAFE campuses, and the importance of collaborative and integrated approaches to education that bridge the gap between universities, TAFEs and industry needs. Feedback highlighted a need to address skilled worker shortages through innovative education programs, scholarships and support for skilled migration. Additionally, the significance of attracting and retaining skilled workers in regional areas through targeted funding and support mechanisms was emphasised. Stakeholders also suggested the development of government–industry partnerships to establish training programs tailored to the specific skills required by the evolving workforce. 

What we will do

• Develop a bespoke skills plan for the emerging critical minerals sector in NSW.
• Ensure targeted training courses are tailored to the future skills needs of the sector.
• Support awareness of STEM education in primary and high schools, and ways to encourage young people to consider future careers in critical minerals.