The Mining Associates Program is a joint collaboration between Anglo Coal Australia, TAFE Queensland and Central Queensland University.

It combines TAFE subjects and university study to give mine employees a better mix of practical skills and academic learning.

Central Queensland TAFE and the TAFE mining body, TQ Mining Services, have customised the delivery of TAFE units to provide practical, hands-on training that complements the university study and workplace activities of students.

Students in the program study part-time for a period of four years, enrolling in an Engineering Associate degree that integrates a set of CQU courses and TAFE subjects.

A group of seven students joined the pilot program in 2005 while employed at various opencut sites in Queensland and New South Wales, and its success resulted in the development of a new stream for underground coal mining in 2006.

Robert Morgan, from Moranbah North mine near Mackay in Queensland, is one of two recruits from Anglo Coal’s new intake who will benefit from the inaugural underground stream.

“I found out about the program and thought the diversity sounded unreal – it did not seem like it would be a monotonous job,” he said.

“The practical elements of the study program relate to the work, so you can implement the theory straight into the workplace.”

Another underground recruit, Ben O’Neill, said the Mining Associates Program was a unique leg-up into the industry that offered invaluable career opportunities.

“I basically work with the mine manager at the moment. It’s great to be exposed to such a high level straightaway,” he said.

The Mining Associates Program combines education, training and practical work-based experience tailored to deliver identified skills required in the technical workforce of mining organisations.

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to support mining professionals in the performance of their duties in the functions of mine planning, coal quality management, surveying, environmental monitoring and project development.

A three-way mentoring process supports students using Anglo Coal Australia, Central Queensland University and Central Queensland TAFE representatives.

Glenn Smith, general manager of Human Resources and Public Affairs for Anglo Coal Australia, said as well as the new underground stream, the program had been expanded to include streams in coal quality and geology.

“This program has been an outstanding success for Anglo Coal Australia, with employees in the pilot group already performing responsible roles within our technical departments,” he said.

“This year we have employed a further 12 mining associates and other mining companies are also now putting students into the courses.”

Queensland Minister for Employment and Training Tom Barton said the Mining Associates Program was an excellent example of collaboration with industry to address skilling needs.

“Mining makes a significant contribution to Queensland’s economy and I am pleased that the creation of this program will deliver specialised expertise for mine employees,” he said.