New Data Platforms to Revolutionise Mining and Automotive Sectors
The Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (MASA) has recently collaborated with Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) to develop two groundbreaking data platforms to reshape the mining and automotive industries. These platforms, namely the JSA Atlas and Data Profile & Placemats, aim to provide comprehensive insights into the labour market and skills data at a national, state, and regional level.
The JSA Atlas is an experimental data platform that combines datasets from the JSA and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It offers a unique “helicopter view” of the economic and skills data, enabling stakeholders to access a single, searchable platform. This integration of previously disconnected information marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time such a comprehensive and accessible database has been made publicly available.
As a critical stakeholder in the project, MASA had the privilege of an early preview of the prototype. The organisation was highly impressed with Atlas’s capabilities and anticipated its benefits to the mining and automotive sectors.
The second platform, Data Profile & Placemats, provides a concise 1 to 2-page overview of MASA’s scope. This comprehensive document includes vital information on major employers, commonwealth agencies, workforce data, data challenges, vocational education and training (VET) data, occupations, unions, awards, and employer associations. By leveraging these data profiles and placemats, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into workforce demands, educational requirements, and training needs.
MASA encourages individuals and organisations to subscribe to the JSA newsletter or follow their social media channels to stay updated with the latest data and developments. By doing so, they can ensure they remain well-informed and equipped with the latest information.
In addition to these exciting data platforms, MASA is committed to engaging with stakeholders at various conferences and events. Over the next few months, they plan to announce their SWAP members, further strengthening their network and collaborations. The organisation invites everyone to join them on this journey as they continue to drive innovation and progress in the mining and automotive industries.
The Australian Government has taken a significant step towards addressing skills shortages and ensuring better outcomes for learners and employers by establishing Jobs and Skills Councils. These councils have been designed to provide industries with a strong and strategic voice in the country’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Among these newly formed organisations is the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance, which aims to tackle skill shortages in two vital industries – mining and automotive.
Originating as the Mining Skills Organisation Pilot in 2020 under the Minerals Council of Australia, the organisation has now evolved into the Australian Minerals and Energy Skills Alliance (AUSMESA). It has since officially launched the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA). With its headquarters in Melbourne and additional offices in Perth and Brisbane, the Alliance is rapidly expanding and poised to make a significant impact.
Led by a highly experienced Board of Directors and Executive Team consisting of professionals from various backgrounds, including industry, unions, government, and the education sector, the Alliance is well-equipped to represent the interests of industries involved in mineral exploration, extraction operations, and emerging sectors such as driverless automotive technologies.
A Sustainable Future: Mining and Automotive Industries’ Vital Roles in Australia
Australia’s mining and resources industry has long been the backbone of the nation’s prosperity and will continue to play a pivotal role in the future. With the global push for decarbonisation, the demand for critical minerals is expected to rise, emphasising the importance of a skilled and trained workforce in the mining sector.
Simultaneously, the automotive industry holds is vital in achieving Australia’s net-zero emission goals, making focusing on reducing automotive emissions imperative. Recognising the significance of training reform and addressing workforce shortages in both sectors, the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance has aligned its vision, mission, and goals accordingly.
The Alliance’s work will revolve around four core areas:
- Workforce planning
- Training product development
- Implementation
- Promotion and monitoring
- Industry stewardship
In pursuit of these objectives, the organisation is responsible for overseeing nationally recognised training products in the mining and automotive sectors, including:
- RII – Resources and Infrastructure Industry (mining)
- AUR – Automotive Retail, Service and Repair (service & repair)
- AUR – Automotive Retail, Service and Repair (retail qualifications only)
- AUM – Automotive Manufacturing
In recent weeks, the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance has engaged with esteemed individuals and stakeholders in Canberra, including representatives from other Jobs and Skills Councils, Professor Peter Dawkins of Jobs and Skills Australia, and government officials such as Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training, Madeleine King, Minister for Resources, and Simone McGurk, Western Australian Minister for Training. These meetings have solidified relationships and set the stage for future collaborations.
From Project to Alliance: Shaping the Future of Mining and Automotive Industries
Looking ahead, the Alliance has an ambitious agenda, planning to attend conferences and events across Australia to foster engagement with industry leaders, education providers, and other stakeholders. Stakeholder engagement and consultation will be pivotal in shaping the organisation’s initiatives, and the Alliance eagerly invites valuable feedback from interested parties.
The launch of the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance marks a significant milestone in Australia’s efforts to address skills shortages, improve vocational education and training, and create a workforce ready for the challenges of the future. With a solid strategic voice and a clear mission, the Alliance is well-positioned to contribute to the nation’s continued prosperity and play a crucial role in shaping the mining and automotive industries. Join the Alliance on this transformative journey as they work towards building a skilled and sustainable workforce for Australia’s economic growth and environmental objectives.
For more information about the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance and its initiatives, visit their website or contact their headquarters in Melbourne. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming conferences and opportunities to engage with the Alliance firsthand. Together, we can shape the future of Australia’s workforce.
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