Released by the MCA, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research report reveals the large investment made by the industry in training and education.

“In the past, it has been incorrectly claimed that the mining sector does not train its own workers, instead taking workers from other industries,” SkillsDMC chief executive Steve McDonald said.

“The report lays these false claims to rest and shows for the first time the extent to which enterprises are investing in the skilling of their current and future workforces.

“We have always been aware of industry’s significant contribution but only now do we have the data to validate the commitment of the industry to workforce development.”

With more than 11,000 apprentices and trainees in the minerals sector across Australia, more than 75% of mining operators offer at least one form of nationally recognised training to employees and close to 80% of all employees in the industry participated in structured training in FY2012.

“The resources and infrastructure industry is the driving force behind Australia’s economic success,” McDonald said.

“With this amount of private investment in the Australian national training system, the industry warrants a leading role in policy decisions and to have more of a say in defining quality skilling outcomes.”