Mining services company Ausdrill 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 Ron Sayers and Site Group International CEO 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 km 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.

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.