NSW targets regional workforce gaps in critical minerals industry
The NSW Government has released a Critical Minerals Skills Plan responding to workforce shortages and recruitment challenges in the state's resources industry, with seven initiatives to develop skills through school education, regional training, university placements and support for junior exploration companies.
The NSW Government has released a Critical Minerals Skills Plan that sets out measures to develop the workforce needed to support NSW's critical minerals and high-tech metals industries.
Released on 27 October 2026 during the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney, the plan responds to recruitment difficulties identified by resources businesses, particularly in regional NSW.
Consultation undertaken by NSW Resources in 2025 included 48 valid industry survey responses, 13 education and training survey responses and 26 engagements with industry associations, mining and mining equipment, technology and services businesses, education providers and students.
Among industry survey respondents, 65% reported a lack of local talent, 63% identified negative perceptions of mining as a recruitment challenge and 48% reported competition from other Australian mining jurisdictions.
Geoscience, engineering, minerals processing, trades and management were identified as the most difficult areas for recruitment over the next six to ten years, with demand also expected to increase for skills in automation, information technology and environmental, social and governance compliance.
The findings informed seven initiatives scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2030, building on workforce commitments in the NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024–35.
Bringing mining careers into schools and universities
A major focus of the plan is introducing students to critical minerals and the career opportunities available in exploration, mining and processing.
NSW Resources will develop curriculum-linked teaching materials for primary and high schools, including digital resources, classroom activities and kits containing geological maps and mineral samples. The Department of Education will also provide career learning opportunities for public school students through events, mine site visits and virtual work experience.
The W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre at Londonderry in Western Sydney will be developed as an education hub, with interactive learning activities, virtual reality experiences and an outdoor geological learning area.
A regional outreach program will take geoscience education into schools and communities outside Sydney, supported by an online learning portal.
For university students and recent graduates, the centre will also host supervised placements and workshops, while the Geological Survey of NSW will provide graduate placements. The plan includes support for applied research and opportunities to gain practical experience alongside formal study.
These activities, scheduled between 2026 and 2030, respond to concerns about declining enrolments in mining-related disciplines, limited earth science education and low awareness of industry career pathways.
Developing training around regional workforce needs
The plan also proposes tailoring training to the requirements of individual critical minerals and high-tech metals projects, rather than relying solely on existing qualifications.
During 2026–27, the Department of Education will work with project operators to assess workforce needs and identify skills gaps. It will partner with TAFE NSW to inform the development of new programs and courses, while registered training providers will help design and deliver training suited to local requirements.
The initiative includes apprenticeships and early-career opportunities, with a focus on improving access for regional communities, women and First Nations people.
From 2027 to 2030, the government plans to investigate flexible vocational training pathways, including micro-credentials, higher apprenticeships and accredited modules that workers can combine to meet particular job requirements.
These measures address concerns raised during consultation about the cost and availability of specialist training, particularly for people living near regional mining operations.
Helping exploration businesses secure investment
Alongside technical workforce development, the plan includes support for junior exploration companies seeking to progress their projects.
Workshops scheduled for 2026–27 will cover investment pitching, presentation skills and the development of environmental, social and governance strategies.
Led by the Department of Education, the initiative is designed to strengthen the ability of smaller exploration businesses to communicate their projects to prospective investors.
Regional jobs depend on more than training
The NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024–35 forecasts that proposed projects could generate up to 4,600 construction jobs and 2,700 ongoing positions as they progress towards operation.
While these figures represent potential employment rather than jobs already created, the Skills Plan acknowledges that workforce development will also depend on access to housing, transport and community services in regional areas.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said the state's existing mining workforce provided a foundation for developing the critical minerals industry.
“Mining has a long history in NSW and it will continue to play an important role in our economy into the future, particularly as global demand for critical minerals continues to grow.”
“Our new Skills Plan leans into what is already one of our key competitive advantages – that we have a broad and dynamic skills base for the mining industry. Continuing to invest in the critical minerals industry is good for workers, investors and regional communities.”
