Strong interest TPP mining and quarrying programmes

A record number of students from around the South Island have enrolled in Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s second semester mining and quarrying programme as they prepare for future management training.

The recent course on regulatory requirements as they apply to mining and quarrying operations was so oversubscribed that it was split it into two separate classes. The successful completion of this course is a key step on the journey to becoming a mine or quarry manager in New Zealand.

Infrastructure Tutor Johannes Annandale says while the second semester training is usually busy, there could be a number of reasons for the significant jump in this year’s numbers.

“We always have strong interest in our mining and quarrying programmes, both from individuals and from companies looking to upskill their staff and get them trained for mine or quarry management positions.

“It’s clearly a reflection of the industry right now and, given pending changes in legislation that will place greater requirements on mine and quarry operations to have employees with A‐grade or B-Grade certificates of compliance, there’s a growing demand for training in this space.

“We know that the industry is growing and employers are keen to see additional staff trained in health and safety and regulatory requirements. The recent high number of trainees could also be partly attributed to the current gold price.

“We’re very pleased to welcome students not just from the West Coast but all around the South Island to this fundamental course which is required for all quarry and mine management qualifications. We were more than happy to set up a second class to cater for the increased demand. Our students gain knowledge from our highly capable and experienced tutors in the interpretation and application of regulatory requirements on an extractive site in New Zealand.”

Manager, Teaching and Learning – Trades, Civil & Extractives Peter O’Sullivan says the numbers are a great reflection on the quality of the West Coast‐based programme, which is also delivered at locations throughout New Zealand.

“As part of Te Pūkenga, the national network for vocational education training, we’re continuing to work closely with all our partners to focus on meeting industry demand and putting our learners at the centre of the training we deliver. With low unemployment nationally and a very busy extractives industry, we’re seeing more need for in‐work training and that’s helping to drive our enrolments.

“Students are also eligible for fees free training in mining and quarrying until the end of 2022 under the Government’s post‐Covid‐19 Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund, which is great news for the sector.”

Published 14 August 2022