Educating our future workforce

Professorial Chair in Mining WHS

Funded as part of the State Government’s ongoing commitment to the MARS Program, the Professorial Chair will bring tertiary institutions, government, and industry together to develop undergraduate and postgraduate education for future mining industry workers. Coordinated by Professorial Chair Professor Tim Bentley, who is also Director of the newly established ECU MARS Centre, the research, teaching and engagement program will focus around the three priority areas of the MARS Program.

The ECU MARS Centre will work with government and mining industry to develop undergraduate and postgraduate education for future mine workers to address complex work health and safety (WHS) challenges within the mining sector. Function of the ECU MARS Centre includes the following synergies with the MARS Program focus areas:

• collaborate with the sector to lead and translate innovative, cutting-edge research that aims to create mentally healthy mining workplaces, build a culture of safety and respect, and prepare the sector for workplace safety in the future
• build sector-wide capability, with a focus on upskilling current mining managers and professionals by developing and delivering mining WHS curriculum initiatives that are accessible, practical, educational and engaging.
• engage stakeholders within WA’s mining industry, providing support and new evidence to guide better practice in the management of WHS, as well as respect and inclusion at work.

The Graduate Certificate of Leadership in Mining Workplace Safety is focused on advancing a culture of respect and safety, preventing sexual harassment and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, and reducing workplace fatalities and injuries. It is designed to prepare the mining workforce for the future of work safety, particularly in the areas of mental awareness and respect.

Find out more about the ECU MARS Centre and the Graduate Certificate of Leadership in Mining Workplace Safety. 

MARS Program funding for up to four competitive scholarships, to be awarded to exceptional Western Australian PhD student candidates. The candidates are pursuing postgraduate research relevant to improving the health, safety and well-being of workers and others in the mining industry in MARS Program focus areas, at a Western Australian university. Round one closed in late 2023 and a second round will open during 2024.

Find out more about the MRIWA scholarships. 

North Metropolitan TAFE are in discussion with the MARS Program to consolidate a VET sector focusing on mining work health and safety, including future mines safety. The intent is to include both entry level mining qualifications and programs focussing on upskilling and supporting mine workers transitioning into technical and operational team leaders.

More information from North Metropolitan TAFE.  

WorkSafe SmartMove

WorkSafe SmartMove is a work health and safety online educational program for senior high school students, young workers entering the workforce on work placement, work experience, or as school-based trainee/apprentice, and new workers entering the workforce for the first time. SmartMove is also designed for young people who are entering casual or part-time work on their free time and those who work on seasonal jobs. Mines safety content is under development in this widely accessed resource.

Workplace bullying online module

Learn to recognise the bullying behaviours at the workplace, where to seek help and how to protect yourself from harm.

More information about WorkSafe SmartMove and modules.