BUSY At Work set to help school leavers kick start careers in mining

BUSY At Work has been awarded an Australian Government grant to deliver the Get BUSY Mining program over the next two years to assist school leavers obtain careers in the mining industry. 

The program is a joint partnership with Kinetic Group (formerly the Mining Industry Skills Centre) and will be run throughout Queensland. 

Recent statistics have indicated that 59% of mining companies said they were understaffed. This pattern is set to peak in 2015. 

The program will involve School Advisors working directly with Industry Liaison Officers and school within schools to streamline pathways, information and opportunities.   

As part of the joint partnership, Kinetic Group will provide industry specific expertise to deliver up-to-date and accurate information to school leavers. 

BUSY AT Work, Deputy CEO Paul Miles welcomed the funding. 

“We hope this program will simplify the progress for school leavers and improve the skill shortage we are facing in the mining sector in Queensland,” he said. 

“Right now, school leavers are telling us they feel lost when deciding which path to take. This program will better inform everyone involved because it’s coming from the experts and is in their language.” 

The program will also involve a comprehensive blog plus social networking tools where students can interact with advisors and discuss their questions or concerns and get immediate advice. 

BUSY At Work has started recruiting for these positions and will begin liaising with schools in the coming weeks. All Queensland schools will have access to this free service. More information is available at www.busyatwork.com.au