The Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) has unveiled its 2024 Workforce Plan, projecting substantial growth in the mining and automotive sectors over the next decade.
According to the plan, these industries are expected to add over 72,000 workers nationally, with 31,000 in mining, 10,000 in oil and gas extraction, and 31,000 in the automotive industry.
The 2024 Workforce Plan, titled “Moving Ahead Together,” identifies several critical areas of focus:
- Addressing workforce and skills shortages
- Improving diversity in the workforce
- Adopting new technologies to enhance productivity and environmental outcomes
Dr Gavin Lind, CEO of AUSMASA, emphasised the collaborative nature of the plan, stating: “This plan brings together our key activities, projects, and priorities and explores a range of new economic insights and contemporary workforce data in support of the mining and automotive industries.”
One of the primary objectives of the plan is to address the pressing issue of workforce and skills shortages.
Initiatives include:
- Changing Generation Z’s perceptions of the mining industry
- Conducting further research on youth perceptions of automotive careers
- Developing targeted training programs for emerging roles, such as Electric Vehicle (EV) Technicians
Dr Lind highlighted the importance of adapting to technological advancements, saying: “The integration of these technologies requires upskilling of the workforce and investment in training infrastructure to ensure workers have the necessary skills to operate and maintain advanced systems effectively.”
Both the mining and automotive industries are urged to enhance their efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion.
While initiatives are underway to improve mining culture and attract more females to the workforce, the plan stresses the crucial role of diversity in building a sustainable workforce.
The plan also addresses the industries’ transition towards net zero electrification, digitisation, and automation.
Dr Lind emphasised the need for collaboration, stating: “Collaboration between industry stakeholders and educational institutions is essential to bridge the skills gap and ensure a skilled workforce capable of supporting the net zero electrification transition.”
AUSMASA’s 2024 Workforce Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the mining and automotive industries.
With multiple projects already underway and additional initiatives under consideration, the alliance is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of these vital sectors.
As Dr Lind concluded: “AUSMASA recognises the imperative of addressing productivity challenges to sustain economic growth.
“Through targeted initiatives, AUSMASA seeks to ensure a skilled and resilient workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of the mining and automotive industries in the changing economic and technological landscape.”
