Case Study
Remote VETiS Delivery

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In an ambitious move to bridge the gap between traditional education and the mining industry, Anglo American collaborated with Major Training Group to develop a pilot program at Moranbah State High School (MSHS). Supported by the Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training, this VET in Schools (VETiS) initiative provided students with the skills and hands-on experience needed to step directly into mining careers. Offering the UEE22020 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), this program represented a groundbreaking approach to vocational education, giving students in the remote Bowen Basin the opportunity to gain career-ready skills in an industry crucial to Australia’s economy.
Obstacle: The remote nature of Moranbah and its surrounding mining operations posed significant logistical challenges. Delivering a curriculum that would equip high school students with the technical, safety, and practical skills required for real-world mining roles demanded a collaborative and customized approach. Additionally, the program aimed to engage and retain local talent, offering a pipeline of skilled individuals to meet the high demand for apprentices and new entrants within the sector.
Ensuring students’ readiness for the mining industry also required innovative training methods. Traditional classroom settings alone would not suffice, as the program needed to simulate the unique, high-risk environments of a mine site. This presented the challenge of combining a rigorous curriculum with realistic, hands-on learning experiences to fully prepare students.
Solution: In response to these challenges, Major Training Group developed a tailored training program in close consultation with Anglo American, incorporating the following solutions:
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start): This core certification provided students with a foundational understanding of electrotechnology, a critical skill set in mining operations. The curriculum was customized to align with the unique demands of the mining sector, equipping students with relevant competencies for roles such as electricians, engineers, and site supervisors.
Real-World Experience and Virtual Reality Training: To address the limitations of a traditional classroom, Major Training introduced hands-on components and partnered with Next World to incorporate Virtual Reality (VR) scenarios. These immersive VR experiences allowed students to engage with simulated high-risk situations, developing confidence in risk management and operational safety practices.
Local Talent Pipeline: By targeting students from Moranbah State High School, the program directly engaged with the local community, fostering a pool of skilled individuals who could seamlessly transition into roles within the local mining sector. The emphasis on recruiting locally also contributed to strengthening the regional economy and fulfilling Anglo American’s commitment to community development.
Delivered on-site at MSHS, the program enabled students like Alexandra Ibbertson, a school-based trainee at Anglo American’s Moranbah North Mine, to gain invaluable industry insights. The hands-on experience and customized curriculum allowed students to see the direct impact of their training, setting a strong foundation for future careers.
Outcome: This partnership between Major Training Group, Anglo American, and Moranbah State High School achieved remarkable success in its first year:
100% Program Completion Rate: All students in the pilot cohort successfully completed the program, showcasing the initiative’s effectiveness and appeal. Graduates emerged with practical skills and qualifications that immediately prepared them for further training and employment opportunities within the mining industry.
Pathways to Employment: The program established a clear pathway from school to the mining workforce. Through exposure to real-world scenarios and a nationally recognized certification, students gained both technical skills and confidence to enter high-demand roles in the industry.
Strengthened Community and Economy: By nurturing local talent, the program supported both workforce and community development in the Bowen Basin. Anglo American’s commitment to hiring locally-trained individuals solidified its role as a key driver of regional growth.
The success of this pilot program exemplifies the value of collaborative, industry-focused education. Major Training’s customised approach enabled Anglo American to meet specific workforce needs while empowering students to pursue careers in one of Australia’s essential industries. This pioneering initiative has set the stage for future expansion, offering greater opportunities for students across Queensland and setting a new standard for vocational education and industry alignment.
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