NT Mining Cadets Program brings mining into NT classrooms
The NT Mining Cadets Program will let high school students in the Northern Territory start a mining career before they finish Year 12, with a nationally recognised qualification they can pick up while still at school.
Beginning in 2027, the program gives Year 10 and 11 students the chance to complete a Certificate II in Workplace Skills (Mining) written for the Territory’s resources sector. The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) NT developed it with the Northern Territory Department of Education and Charles Darwin University in Darwin.
“The Mining Cadets Program will help students explore the many occupations available in the resources sector while developing the practical skills needed to hit the ground running once they enter the workforce,” MCA executive director of Northern Australia Cathryn Tilmouth said.
“Through the Certificate, students will develop transferable workplace skills including communication, teamwork, problem solving, workplace health and safety awareness and professional behaviours, while gaining exposure to careers in mining, oil and gas.”
The program was launched at the Map Your Career in Mining day, where dozens of Darwin students met geoscientists, engineers, environmental managers and tradespeople and worked through the life of a mine from the first drill hole to rehabilitation.
“Increasing demand for the resources the Territory has in abundance, including gold and rare earths, boosts demand for workers in the sector,” she said.
Arafura Rare Earths approved construction of its Nolans rare earths project north of Alice Springs in May, a development forecast to support more than 600 construction jobs and around 350 ongoing roles once operating.
“Building student awareness of the amazing opportunities in the Territory mining industry creates a stronger pipeline for our growing minerals sector.
“These students are now better placed to take advantage of the employment opportunities that will come from the growth of the mining sector in the Territory.”