Executive+Summary+055

Following detailed research and consultation with mining industry stakeholders, the project partners - SkillsDMC, BigCat Pty Ltd and Whitehaven Mining have identified an acute skills shortage in the area of Statutory Positions in the mining sector. The Statutory Position of Open Cut Examiner is a broad and varied role, responsible for the quantity and quality of the output of others. This complex non-routine role requires extensive industry knowledge and experience, training and assessment. The lack of RTO’s delivering this qualification due to thin markets and the difficulty of employers releasing personnel for training has been the driving force behind the need to develop flexible learning tools. Through e-learning time restrictions and costs pressures are removed, and an increase in the uptake and engagement of Statutory Positions by experienced workers can be achieved.

With the development of e-learning resources accessibility will also be made to the wider community of learners.

As the mining and resources sectors boom, so too does the demand for skilled workers in these areas. The practice that currently exists is to poach experienced staff from other mining companies and related industries. For this reason training is often only used as a last resort. This ever widening skills shortage now requires industry to retain their experienced workers and more importantly up-skill these existing workers to fill the required Statutory Positions. By offering e-learning alternatives to this learner group, this skills shortage area can be partially satisfied and existing workers are retained.

The e-learning approach of this proposal will appeal to all learners and may also benefit the mining sectors auxiliary businesses and support contractors by encouraging them to participate and complete the training in a timeframe and locale that is convenient to them.

To assist with the uptake and engagement of this crucial Statutory Position, it is proposed that 8 mandatory units from the Open Cut Examiner’s Certificate of Competency be developed. It is envisaged that by providing these units as e-learning resources engagement will be easily accessible, straightforward and convenient to both the learner and employer.

The 8 new units will be trialled by employees and contractors at Whitehaven Mining sites. Strategies will be developed and implemented to monitor and guide the learners in the use of the e-learning resources and full support will be provided to all participants by the project partners.

SkillsDMC has found no other statutory position toolboxes currently available.