The flow-on effect of the mining downturn has hit Australian tertiary enrolments hard in mining-related courses, following a strong period of growth during the boom years of 2004 to 2012. Since then, the number of enrolments has tapered off with first year enrolments in mining engineering dropping from 127 in 2015 to just 50 in 2016.
With these startling statistics in mind, we talk to Professor Sam Spearing, Director of the WA School of Mines, Curtin University, on how to attract more students to mining careers and what existing students can do to secure a job upon graduation.
What are some of the reasons why students should study mining engineering today?
Much like farming and agriculture, mining is one of the oldest industries in human civilization and fundamental to progress. But it’s also an industry that’s changing very rapidly – the implementation of technology such as robotics, sensors and other advanced instrumentation have led to a rise in the collection and storage of big data to drive better productivity outcomes.
It’s an exciting time to be in mining – these advancements will likely lead to automation and a smaller total workforce, but it will be one with much better developed skills.
It may be heartening to also hear that the mining industry still has some of the better employment rates, especially amongst engineers.
What career advice would you give a student looking for a job in mining?
I would advise them to network and gain site experience during their studies so that when they graduate, they are truly job ready.
I would also encourage younger students to upskill in science and math as according to the Foundations for Young Australians, 75% of our future jobs will involve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), yet we have a significantly lower proportion of children actually proficient in STEM.
What can companies do to attract more young people to mining?
As we move towards digitalization in both our personal and professional lives, I would encourage mining companies to sell the “new look” of mining 
which is high tech and sustainability. Some ideas include:
- Offering scholarships to your own selected workers or school leavers in return for a commitment to work for a certain period of time after graduation; and
- Using newer technologies such as Virtual Reality headsets for recruitment, induction and training, particularly hands-on practical labs.
What about academic institutions?
The future of tertiary mining industry education will also inevitably change. Block teaching, quality online teaching or a hybrid model needs to be introduced for most postgraduate units. We are also emphasizing field trips and site visits as important aspects of equipping the next generation of mining students.
Liked this post? Check out our other 5 Minutes With posts! To contact WASM, visit the Curtin University website. Curtin is ranked #2 in the world for mineral and mining engineering, with campuses in Perth and Kalgoorlie, Australia.
