Mining Pathway Program empowers students with Future-Ready Skills

February 18, 2026

Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) and Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) have partnered to codesign and deliver a unique career awareness and exploration opportunity for students interested in a career in the mining sector. This program supports the Department’s Strategic Action Plan, and the Tasmanian Government’s Youth Jobs Strategy, by continuing to improve pathways for young people to navigate post-school opportunities, including through VET in Schools, work-based learning, career education and apprenticeships.

The TMEC Mining Pathways Program addresses a critical need to connect students with future-focused career opportunities in one of Tasmania’s key economic sectors. Mining and related industries offer diverse roles, from trades to professional positions, yet many Tasmanian students lack exposure to these pathways. The program provides practical, engaging, accredited training and industry engagement, supporting informed decision-making for secondary subject selection and career planning.

The program will be delivered across the 2026 school calendar, with the pilot program commencing at Mountain Heights School, involving Roseberry District School, on 17 February, with around 20 students.

Based upon TMEC’s “hear, see, do” framework, this program is a fundamental change in the way career awareness is delivered with Tasmanian schools, allowing participating students to attain a dedicated accredited pathway into the mining sector while also exploring vocational training options with industry mentors.

Ray Mostogl, Chief Executive Officer of TMEC, said “The mining industry can be a mystery to those who don’t have a connection via family or friends, so this program increases awareness of the breadth of jobs in the industry as well as the diversity of candidates who may find their niche. It provides meaningful experiences and qualifications which ultimately enables students to make informed career choices.”

The program offers structured and supported career awareness and insights into the mining sector for secondary students, with the initiative incorporating TMEC’s Mining and Manufacturing Career Awareness Program (MAMCAP) and the Mining Skills Passport, an industry-endorsed pre-employment skillset tailored for new entrants to the Mining and Resources Sector in Tasmania.

Integrating experiential site tours, students will gain a clear understanding of careers in mining, from the pre-feasibility stage through to end of mine closure process, including land rehabilitation. Students will explore vocational pathways aligned with local industries whilst increasing confidence, engagement and job readiness skills for future employment available within their region.

“By developing this program in partnership with TMEC and DECYP, the needs of students, industry and the local community are supported. This serves to engage, develop and retain students in their local community” said Damian Peirce, Youth Career Facilitator.

Chine Venter, Mountain Heights School Acting Principal said “Programs like the Mining Pathways Program can open doors for students who want to live and work on the West Coast after school. It helps them imagine the opportunities available to them in regional areas, gives them job-ready skills, and introduces them to the people who could be their future colleagues”.

This collaborative approach ensures the delivery of industry led, highly relevant training that is grounded in local contexts. It provides clear pathways into the mining sector and related industries, while supporting students to stay engaged in their education and pursue meaningful career opportunities within their own region.

The program is funded by West Coast Council and the Department for Education, Children and Young People through the Youth Career Facilitator North and North West program. This initiative connects students from Mountain Heights School and Roseberry District School with industry mentors and opportunities, enhancing vocational learning and career pathways for young people.