RMIT to deliver training for Xstrata

RMIT University School of Engineering TAFE has been awarded a $900,000 contract to deliver instrumentation training for Xstrata and Stanwell’s Mt Isa operations.

The 17-month contract involves upskilling 28 existing workers at the mine and two from the nearby Stanwell power station at Mica Creek.

More than a third of the funds are being provided by the Victorian government’s Skills Queensland because of a skills shortage for electrical instrumentation recognised in the federal government’s National Skills Needs List. Specialist training equipment built by SAGE Didactic, some purpose-designed by RMIT, is providing students with a strong industry-relevant learning experience.

Ron Barrow, Divisional Manger (Trades), RMIT Engineering TAFE, said the program focused on upskilling and cross-training to address the skills gap around the support of site automation, process control and instrumentation. Participants would also be provided with mentor support to enhance ongoing workplace learning.

“In recent years the number of students taking up instrumentation and electronics apprenticeships has declined to the point where the skills shortages in these trades is starting to impact many industries, especially mining,” Barrow said.