Education and Careers
The NSW mining industry offers rewarding careers in high-skilled roles across mining regions, rural areas, and metropolitan locations.
The NSW mining industry offers rewarding careers in high-skilled roles across mining regions, rural areas, and metropolitan locations.
Close to 30,000 people are employed directly in mining jobs across the state, with thousands more working in businesses that supply, support, and benefit from the industry. These roles range from chemical engineers and drone pilots to software engineers and lab technicians; from environmental scientists and business analysts to mining engineers, transport operators, and safety professionals. These high-value positions are critical to a strong mining sector and the economic benefits it delivers to NSW.
The NSW mining industry is an attractive option for young people and job seekers at all career stages. It offers a variety of highly skilled professional and trade roles, along with education and training opportunities, in safe, well-paid, and secure occupations.
Our industry has an average weekly national income of over $3,000 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Where Will Mining Take You?
Students in year 10, 11 and 12, along with a parent and their careers advisor are invited to come and learn about the variety of mining careers available and the educational pathways to those roles for free. Attendees will hear directly from people working in our industry, as well as from a range of education and training providers. Recent graduates, tradespeople, university students and apprentices all talk about what it’s like to work in the NSW mining industry and answer questions from the attending students, parents and teachers.
Our FREE careers dinners are a great way to get a taste of the NSW minerals and resources industry.
Pathways to Resource Industry & Mining Engineering
PRIME Virtual Work Experience (years 9 & 10)
Developed in partnership with The Careers Department, participants virtually step into the shoes of six different mining professionals, gaining a unique perspective on what a day in their life entails. These mining-specific modules are scenario-based learning experiences crafted to challenge students to tackle real-world problems.
Online offerings are accessible to students in more than 700 schools nationally, and face to face workshops are delivered in schools across mining regions of NSW.
PRIME Vry Critical Workshops (years 9, 10 & 11)
Our highly engaging and gamified virtual reality package promotes emerging skills and careers which will be required as global demand for critical minerals evolves. These workshops allow students to experience 5 job roles in mines across NSW, highlighting the diversity of skills and opportunities available.
For more information about how your school can participate in PRIME, please email info@nswmining.com.au.
Free Careers Guide
Kickstart your career in the NSW mining Industry
Whether you’re just starting out, or looking to change careers later in life, we’ve put together information to help you take the next step in your NSW mining career. Learn about the variety of roles you could pursue in the NSW Mining industry, including pathways and qualifications you need to find your dream career.
For further information, and contact info@nswmining.com.au if you need anything extra.
Learn more about Education & Careers in NSW Mining
Resources for High School Careers Advisers
NSW Minerals Council is committed to providing objective and current career and education resources to careers advisers. We know that industry-relevant information is vital to ensuring that students make informed choices at key transition points along the school to work pathway.
Check back regularly to stay in touch with the latest resources from this dynamic and future-focussed industry.
Resources
Make Your Career in Mining (MCA Australia)
Pathway to Mining Engineering Infographic (myFuture)
Labour Market Information Portal
The Future of Work in Mining (Deloitte)
Mining Career Information Pack (DRNSW)
Year 13 Resourcefulness Academy
Videos
NSW Mining ‘Good for Jobs, Good for Regional NSW’
NSW Mining ‘Good for Sydney, Good for NSW’
Women Pursuing Successful Careers in Mining
Newcastle Knights NRL players explore careers in Mining
A day in the life at Cadia mine
My first day on a FIFO mine site
Documents
Work Experience Guide – Phone Call Script
Work Experience Guide – Sample Letter of Enquiry
Work Experience Guide – Debrief Checklist
Work Experience Guide – Employer’s Evaluation
Resources for Earth Science Educators
NSW Minerals Council is committed to supporting Earth Science education in Australian schools and universities. Geologists and Environmental Scientists make a significant contribution to the mining and minerals industry and this demand is expected to continue.
High-quality, job-ready graduates find interesting and highly paid local, national and international careers in an industry that continues to make significant contributions to local communities and economies.
Article: Australia badly needs earth science skills, but universities are cutting the supply (The Conversation 26/07/2021)
Links and Resources
Australian Earth Science Education (NSW)
Teacher Earth Science Education Program (TESEP)
Mining Exploration & Geoscience Outreach (DRNSW)
DIGS® (Digital Imaging Geological System)
University Pathways to Mining Engineering
Australia and NSW are facing a critical shortage of graduate mining engineers. Current undergraduate enrolment levels must increase in order to ensure a supply of quality graduates into the industry.
According to CSG Talent, the growing demand for qualified mining engineering graduates has led to increased salaries, the introduction of sign-on bonuses, and a promise of increases in responsibility and career progression.
Students considering a degree in Engineering are encouraged to look closely at the present and future opportunities for a well-paid, secure and future-focused career in the NSW mining industry.
UNSW School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering
University of Wollongong School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering
University of Newcastle Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Transfer Program)
Scholarships Directory
University students studying mining-related degrees have access to a wide range of high-value scholarships. Application deadlines and eligibility criteria vary, so it’s important to check university and company websites regularly.
School leavers who have experienced educational or socio-economic disadvantage are eligible to apply for Equity Scholarships through the University Admissions Centre (UAC). It is important to do this when you lodge your university application.
University Scholarships
Check out the scholarships available for mining-related courses at the university websites listed below. To narrow your search, use the keyword “mining”.
University of Wollongong Scholarships
University of Newcastle Scholarships
Mining Company Scholarships
Many mining companies offer generous scholarships to students who live in the local community, who show an aptitude for their studies, and who express a keen interest in a career in the minerals and resources sector.
Check back here regularly for scholarships that you might be eligible to apply for.
The Bloomfield Group offers one scholarship to a student studying Engineering at the University of Newcastle, who is interested in having a career in the coal mining and/or engineering industries.
Bengalla Mining Company offers undergraduate scholarships valued at $5000 to students from Muswellbrook High School, Scone High School, St Joseph’s Aberdeen and Scone Grammar School. For more information please contact community.relations@newhopegroup.com.au.
Glencore offers a number of scholarships to students studying mining-related courses at Australian universities. Search ‘Glencore’ on the university websites above.
Yancoal Cadetship Program Yancoal’s Cadetship Program is for current Year 12 high school students and recent high school graduates wanting to begin their university studies in mining engineering and to develop a career in mining. The program provides financial support, mentoring and valuable ‘hands on’ experience at Yancoal mine sites. Applications close in August each year.
Thiess Scholarships are available across a range of disciplines. Applications are currently closed. For more information please contact miningjobs@thiess.com.au
Northparkes Sumitomo Metals Mining Oceania Scholarships for students residing in Central Western NSW. Applications are currently closed.
Industry Association Scholarships
AusIMM Education Endowment Fund Each year the EEF provides a number of successful scholarship applicants with financial support and exemplary professional development opportunities to enable them to complete their studies and embark on a successful career in the mining industry. Applications close in September each year.
NSW Minerals Industry Scholarships This scholarship has been established to support a student commencing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mining) at UNSW.
Graduate, Cadetship and Apprenticeship Programs
Mining Industry Careers Websites
Hunter Region
Central West NSW
Illawarra
North West NSW
Misc
Other Employment Pathways
Trades and traineeships are a good way for young people to enter the industry, gaining a qualification while obtaining hands-on experience.
This pathway allows students to practically apply the skills they are learning and they will often receive a wage while doing so.