A Skills Summit, hosted by Premier Mark McGowan, was originally scheduled for June 30 but has now been postponed because of COVID-19. The summit is an opportunity for multiple industries to discuss the WA skills and labour market needs collectively with State Government. Representatives at the summit will be provided the opportunity to propose collaborative and innovative resolutions to meet the skills needs across the WA workforce, and ensure WA remains globally competitive.
The summit comes at a critical juncture for the WA resources sector, with a report commissioned by CME identifying WA’s mining and resources operations may need up to 40,000 more workers between mid-2021 and mid-2023.
For further information on the Skills Summit, please reach out to Adrienne LaBombard, Manager – Industry Competitiveness – A.LaBombard@cmewa.com.
Occupations added to the Priority Migration Skills Occupation List
The Federal Government has added 22 occupations to the Priority Migration Skills Occupation List (PMSOL), increasing the total number of covered occupations to 41. The PMSOL was introduced in September 2020 as a pathway to ensure a small number of critical occupations are filled and aid in Australia’s ongoing recovery from the impact of COVID-19. Specifically for the resources sector, the PMSOL now includes critical engineering and scientific occupations such as mining engineers, petroleum engineers, geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, transport engineers, and surveyors. Chefs have also been included and remain a critical occupation in the mining support services sector.
Existing skilled migration occupation lists will remain active and visas will still be processed, but priority will be given to those in occupations on the PMSOL.
For further information refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ media release.
VET in schools and pathways to industry
The Resources Industry Training Council is currently undertaking a research project related to vocational education and training (VET) in secondary schools. Primarily the project is looking to assess and understand where VET in secondary schools adds value for industry and evaluate what may be needed to better prepare young people for resources sector careers. Additionally, the project is seeking to clarify existing entry pathways for school leavers and evaluate barriers to talent pipeline continuity.
If you would like to participate in consultations, please reach out to Liz Crompton, Resources Industry Training Council Lead, L.Crompton@cmewa.com.
