PERTH – The resources sector will need to take an innovative approach to attracting and retaining skilled workers, federal Resources MinisterSpeaking at a Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry event, King noted that many Australians held a poor perception of the resources industry, and some remained unaware of how the resource sector was improving lives, including helping to reduce emissions.
“Surely we can turn the Minecraft crazed kids of today into the skilled staff the resources industry needs for tomorrow? More seriously there is an immediate need to target the skills that are in demand such as mining engineers, electricians, plumbers and mechanics, but we must also plan for the future of work.
“This is among the most valuable contributions we can make to achieve the global Paris goals. Developing our critical minerals will also drive domestic economic growth through creating regional jobs, building domestic industries and strengthening international partnerships,” King said. “Australia’s metallurgical coal, copper, iron-ore and nickel are also crucial to the wires, batteries and magnets that power clean energy technologies. Our challenge is to scale up supply of the minerals the world needs to make these technologies. That’s where the world-leading experience and expertise of this sector will play a prominent role,” King noted.