Mining services company Ausdrill Limited is taking a leading role in providing training for the next generation of mining workers, through the establishment of a specialised facility near Perth with its training partner Site Group International. Ausdrill CEO Mr Ron Sayers and Site Group International CEO Mr Vernon Wills have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Honourable Murray Cowper, the Minister for Training and Workplace Development, to establish a Mine Workers’ Training Academy at Muresk Institute. This initiative has been developed over the last two years in response to the increased shortage of skilled people in the resources sector.

The Academy, which is located at Curtin University's Muresk campus in the town of Northam, 90 kilometres east of Perth, will deliver specific training in the operation of all heavy earthmoving equipment, blast hole drilling, exploration drilling and shot firing. The Academy will run as a campus-style facility incorporating a working hard rock mine and provide hands-on training in a controlled environment. Its primary aims are to bring people into the industry, produce site-ready workers and high quality, safety conscious workers.

The Academy will be targeting young people, Indigenous Australians and experienced workers seeking to add to their skills. In addition, the Academy will examine the feasibility of providing prisoners from nearby Wooroloo Prison Farm with resources industry training as part of their pre-release program. Mr Sayers, the driving force behind the Academy, welcomed today’s signing, highlighting the significant benefits the Academy will provide to the resources sector which currently requires more than 1,000 extra people each week. “The Academy will address the skills shortage that is currently plaguing the resources sector by combining employment offices as well as training facilities to deliver a ‘one-stop-shop’ bringing people into our industry,” he said.

“As someone who has worked in this industry all my life, I only wish that something like this had existed when I was younger. My sincere hope is that it will provide young people with the best possible training as they embark on their careers in the mining industry.” Ausdrill has received a high level of support for the Academy from numerous organisations within the mining industry who have previously made pledges.  Mr Wills endorsed Mr Sayers’ comments:“Ron and I share the belief that there is not a people shortage in Australia but a skilled people shortage. Providing people with an accredited pathway into the mining and resources sector that delivers practical training aligned to industry requirements is a major step forward. Site Group is excited to be working with Ausdrill by delivering training and assessment services to this important initiative.”