The study, thought to be the first of its kind, seeks to find out why fewer people in their late teens and early 20s are choosing education and career paths in the resources sector.

QRC Chief Executive Susan Johnston said the survey was prompted by falling enrolments in mining engineering and minerals processing courses at The University of Queensland and difficulties faced by member companies in obtaining skilled employees.

“This is despite scholarship programs, high graduate salaries and the opportunity to travel the world,” said Johnston.

“We have a lot of anecdotal information as to why we are not the career of choice for many young people, but we really need some hard evidence, and more importantly some indication of what needs to change to encourage people into the sector.

“Retention of skilled staff, particularly women, is another issue and we need to know why people choose to leave the industry and what we can do to encourage them to stay.

“I’m confident that the study will result in a number of recommendations to help attract and retain the skilled workforce that is required for our high-tech Smart State industry.”

The findings of the study are expected to be released in August.