Mining Skills Navigator Project: Building a Future-Ready Workforce in Victoria’s Mining Industry

Industry, Jobs, Skills, Vocational Education and Training, Workforce Development, Workforce Planning / By

The Mining Skills Navigator Project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the skills gap in Victoria’s mining industry by aligning workforce capabilities with future industry needs. Facilitated by Workforce BluePrint in collaboration with Sunraysia TAFE, Federation University, and Bendigo Kangan Institute, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development and Regional Development Victoria, this project brings together key industry stakeholders, employers, and government representatives to create a strategic workforce plan tailored to the evolving demands of the mining sector.

With significant mining projects on the horizon in North, Central, and Western Victoria, including The Donald Project by Astron Limited, Mandalay Resources, and WIM Resource’s Avon Bank Project, the Mining Skills Navigator Project is set to deliver workforce solutions that support regional economic growth, job creation, and industry sustainability.

Project Objectives

The Mining Skills Navigator Project aims to:

  1. Assess Future Workforce Needs – Identify the critical skills and job roles required for Victoria’s mining sector through 2030.
  2. Bridge Skills Gaps – Analyse current workforce capabilities and create solutions to address shortages.
  3. Develop Inclusive Training Pathways – Ensure that workforce development strategies cater to First Nations communities, CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) populations, women, and people with disabilities.
  4. Collaborate with Key Stakeholders – Engage industry leaders, educational institutions, local councils, and Regional Development Victoria to develop co-designed solutions for workforce challenges.
  5. Deliver a Workforce Planning and Development Strategy – Provide TAFE and training providers with clear pathways for skill development, aligned with Victoria’s mining industry needs.

Project Partners and Industry Representatives

Educational and Training Partners:

  • Federation University, Sunraysia TAFE, Bendigo Kangan Institute – Leading the design and delivery of industry-aligned training programs.
  • Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, Learn Local Networks & Regional Development Victoria – Supporting workforce training, regional economic development, and skills-building initiatives.

Industry Employers and Representatives:

  • Astron Limited
  • Mandalay Resources – Costerfield Gold-Antimony Mine
  • WIM Resources – Avon Bank Project
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
  • VHM Ltd
  • Minerals Council of Australia Victoria & Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Project Outcomes

The Mining Skills Navigator Project is designed to achieve tangible, long-term workforce benefits for Victoria’s mining sector in the region. Key outcomes include:

  1. A Workforce Strategy
    • A detailed workforce plan that aligns industry needs with training and education programs.
    • Clear career pathways for local job seekers, apprentices, and trainees.
  2. Increased Employment Opportunities
    • Identification of skills shortages and implementation of targeted recruitment initiatives.
    • Enhanced job placements through collaborations with mining companies, local businesses, and employment agencies.
  3. Stronger First Nations Engagement & Inclusion
    • Co-designed First Nations-led training programs in partnership with Traditional Owner Corporations.
    • Expanded job opportunities for First Nations workers within Victoria’s mining sector.
  4. Improved Training Programs & Industry-Ready Graduates
    • Development of TAFE micro-credentials, certifications, and upskilling programs tailored for mining careers.
    • Strengthened links between providers and regional employers to create a seamless education-to-employment pathway.
  5. Support for Regional Economic Development
    • Collaboration with Wimmera Southern Mallee Development and Regional Development Victoria to boost economic activity and create long-term workforce sustainability.

Project Timeframe & Deliverables

Phase 1: Project Initiation & Stakeholder Engagement

Phase 2: Future Skills Demand & Workforce Gap Analysis

Phase 3: Skills Development Strategy & Training Recommendations

Phase 4: Final Report & Implementation Roadmap

Invitation to Get Involved

The Mining Skills Navigator Project is shaping the future of regional Victoria’s mining workforce where there are major projects, ensuring sustainable career pathways and regional economic growth. 🚀 Ways to Get Involved:
✅ Employers – Participate in skills demand forecasting & recruitment initiatives.
✅ Training Providers – Co-design industry-aligned TAFE courses & micro-credentials.
✅ First Nations & Community Leaders – Help shape inclusive workforce pathways.
✅ Job Seekers & Students – Explore mining career opportunities & apprenticeships.

👉 Contact Wendy Perry at Workforce BluePrint to learn more and contribute to regional Victoria’s next generation of mining talent via wendy@workforceblueprint.com.au, thanks.

#MiningSkills #WorkforcePlanning #FutureofWork #VictoriaMining #IndustryInnovation #JobsGrowth

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