South Australia’s peak mining and energy industry body will provide subsidised training to workers in the State’s resources sector, thanks to a $335,600 grant from the South Australian Government.
Announced today by the Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Grace Portolesi, the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) is one of 18 businesses to be awarded the funding aimed at up-skilling the current workforce to meet future needs.
The funding is part of the $3.4 million Skills in the Workplace program, an initiative of Skills for All,
that focuses on providing specific training to address workplace needs in support of developing the
State’s priority industries.
“As the State’s biggest exporters and one of the few industries positioned to be a shining light for
South Australia, this funding will go a long way in ensuring our current resources workers are
equipped with the skills they need to deliver our mining, energy and economic future,” Jason
Kuchel, SACOME’s Chief Executive said.
“This funding will provide South Australian resources workers with the opportunity to develop
specific skill sets which will assist in retaining valuable workers and ensure we maintain our
competitive edge.
“Now is the time to provide targeted training to secure the future of South Australia through its vital resources industry.”
Mr Kuchel praised the State Government in recognising the importance of the resources industry by not only providing funding to SACOME, but also to SACOME members Cavill Power Products, CRC Care Pty Ltd and Farley Riggs, who provide services to the resources industry, along with industry member Nyrstar.
“It is great to see the State Government understands the vital role the resources industry will play in the State’s future, and is investing appropriately through this training grant. We thank Minister
Portolesi for providing us and some of our members with this opportunity,” Mr Kuchel said.
Addressing the skills needs of the resources industry has been identified by SACOME as a critical
policy area. SACOME established its own professional development program to address gaps in the
resources industry training in 2012, following extensive research and consultation with the sector
representing, promoting and protecting the resources industry of South Australia over 2011/12. The program has grown significantly over this time with courses targeted to address
specific industry needs.
“SACOME is committed to long term skills development for the industry by working with
government and the private sector for the establishment of a National Skills Centre of Excellence,
both to address the future skills needs and as part of a strategy to ensure South Australia develops
into a world recognised national research and education hub ,” Mr Kuchel said
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