As part of the Federal Government’s preparation for the Jobs and Skills Summit, CME was invited to participate in two roundtables hosted by the Hon. Madeline King (Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia) in the month of August. The first of these roundtables took place in Karratha and the second in Perth, with conversations focused on key local labour market issues such as improving workforce participation for women and gender equality, improving regional liveability, opportunities for local training, and skilled migration.
Following these engagements, CME prepared a letter for Federal Treasury which outlined the key opportunities and challenges in the labour market for the WA resources sector. CME will continue to monitor the Jobs and Skills summit outputs, including the anticipated publication of an Employment White Paper.
Contact: Adrienne LaBombard, Acting Director – Policy and Advocacy
Email: A.LaBombard@cmewa.com
Conveyor Belt Technician Apprenticeships set to start
The Conveyor Belt Technician Apprenticeship (PMB30121 – Certificate III in Polymer Processing) was gazetted by the Minister for Education and Training in February 2021.
Industrial conveyor belt technicians repair, maintain and install conveyor belts used in many industries including mining, particularly for the transportation and loading of iron ore.
In May 2021, construction began at North Metropolitan (NM) TAFE’s Midland Campus for a Belt Splicing Workshop. The $2 million project was fully funded by the McGowan Government and will see a dedicated space to train industrial conveyor belt technicians. In addition to meeting industry demand in Western Australia’s thriving resources sector, the facility will address skill gaps and increase the supply of a locally skilled workforce.
The shed-style workshop was designed with industry input and donations and has been installed with specialist equipment including conveyor belt, splicing tables, and reels, ensuring students receive hands-on training.
The workshop will train apprentices in the operation and maintenance of large industrial conveyor belts – a critical skill in industries such as mining and logistics.
NMTAFE is pleased to announce that training is due to commence in September for the Certificate III in Polymer Processing, with the first face to face training delivery of the apprenticeship scheduled between September 19 and 30. It will cover the following units of competency:
NMTAFE will also offer recognition of current competencies and trade skills recognition for existing workers who have previously acquired the required skills and knowledge but do not hold the qualification.
Contact: Amanda Hamilton, Manager – RITC
Email: a.hamilton@cmewa.com
