Over 50 per cent of all candidates for statutory NSW mine exams have failed to pass their exams in recent years according to the NSW Minerals Council.
CEO of the NSW Minerals Council, Stephen Galilee, said the high failure rate had, “been a significant contributing factor to the skills shortage in coal and metalliferous mining as well as quarrying sectors of NSW.”
Mr Galilee revealed the worrying statistic as part of the launch of a new training project aimed at addressing the low success rate of candidates.
“The NSW Mining Statutory Positions Training Process Improvement Review Project” is a joint partnership between the Council, the NSW Government and other training organisations.
The roles covered by the project include mine managers, production managers, mine electrical and mechanical engineers, deputies, under managers and open cut mine examiners, all critical in the day-to-day running of efficient and safe modern mining operations.
“It is therefore crucial that people in these roles are trained to the highest standards,” Mr Galilee said.
“In seeking to tackle this problem, all agreed that the rigorous standards for the examinations were inviolable, and that the focus of the project should be on producing best practice guides to assist employees, employers and training providers with the assessment process,” Mr Galilee said.
“The Learning Best Practice Guides that have now been finalised will ensure that candidates, employers and Registered Training Organisations have an important advisory tool in preparing for exams.”
“The three guides – one each for employers, candidates and Registered Training Organisations – seek to provide advice on the key factors which will assist candidates in successfully completing the assessment process. This includes advice on selecting and supporting candidates, providing mentoring and coaching, exam preparation, advice on how to liaise with employers and simple checklists to assess commitment and preparation,” Mr Galilee said.
These guides are the final stage of an initiative carried out with assistance from the NSW Department of Education and Communities, the NSW Minerals Council, NSW Department of Trade, Investment, Regional Infrastructure & Services and SkillsDMC.
“A skilled and competent workforce is essential for the NSW mining industry. It is essential for the health and safety of our mining workers, and to maintain coal production for exports and for the electricity generation that we all use every day,” Mr Galilee said.
The Learning Best Practice Guides for candidates, employers and Registered Training Organisations can be found at: http://www.nswmining.com.au/
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