Education and Careers
Choose Your Own Adventure
The NSW mining industry is packed with big moments and even bigger possibilities. It’s your ticket to new places, big challenges and a future that matters.
The industry is full of modern, well-paid jobs in every direction — no matter who you are or where you come from.
We have a brand new website with information on career pathways and education, the amazing lifestyle in regional NSW, and more than 30 jobs that are in high demand and needed well into the future.
Every adventure starts somewhere — so why not make it an epic one in mining.
Connecting with students, teachers & parents
The NSW Minerals Council’s excellent careers and education program includes in-classroom experiences, tools for careers advisors and careers info nights.
High school students, parents, teachers and careers advisors can join us at our NSW Mining Career Info Nights. They’re fun, low-key and free. And it is the best way for kids to connect with other young people already working mining to find out what it’s like and if it could be a good fit.
These experiences run mid-year and you have to register to attend.
Delivering programs and information
The NSW Minerals Council delivers a wide range of educational engagement initiatives that connect students, educators and communities with real career opportunities in mining in NSW. These programs build awareness, highlight the diversity of roles available, and support informed subject and career choices—especially for young people in regional NSW where mining is a major employer and economic driver.
Working with government, education providers and industry stakeholders is also a key focus to support skills development, strengthen training and apprenticeship pathways, and promote policies that encourage young people to pursue careers in mining and related industries.
Key engagement activities include:
- Prime Virtual Work Experience for Years 9–10 students
- Student and career advisor presentations and networks
- Careers expos and school-based engagement programs
- Virtual reality mine site experiences
- Mine tours and site-based learning opportunities
- Trade and university immersion programs
NSW Minerals Council also works with teachers and career advisors so they’ve got curriculum-aligned resources and up-to-date information about real-world career pathways.
Through this combined focus on education and advocacy, NSW Minerals Council supports a strong and sustainable talent pipeline for high-quality jobs, skills development and long-term opportunities for young people across NSW.
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.
The NSW mining industry offers rewarding careers in high-skilled roles across mining regions, rural areas, and metropolitan locations.
More than 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.
And a career in mining can be beneficial, with meaningful work and higher than average incomes. The average weekly national income for people working in mining is over $3,000 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Mining in NSW takes place across some of the most diverse and interesting regions in the state. From the Hunter Valley and Central West to the Illawarra and Far West. Towns like Maitland, Mudgee, Orange, Gunnedah and Newcastle, Parkes, West Wyalong and more. These are places where communities are strong, landscapes are vast, and careers can take you beyond the city and into something different.
Today’s mining industry is powered by advanced technology and world-class science. Autonomous vehicles, remote operations centres, drones, data analytics and environmental monitoring systems are all part of modern mining. Behind every operation are teams of engineers, geologists, technicians and digital specialists working together to solve complex problems and keep things running safely and efficiently.
There are multiple pathways into mining careers in NSW. You can start with a school-based apprenticeship, head to TAFE, or study at university in fields like engineering, environmental science, geology, technology or business. Whether you’re into hands-on work, big machines, science, the environment or digital systems, there’s a role that can match your interests and strengths.
Beyond the job itself, mining can offer a unique lifestyle. Many roles are based in regional towns where you can be closer to nature, part of a tight-knit community, and enjoy a different pace of life. All while still building a career with real progression, strong pay and long-term opportunities.
With a wide range of roles, modern technology, and opportunities across NSW, mining offers more than just a job. It’s a chance to build skills, explore new places and be part of an industry that helps power the future.