Training and Education  

Available training can be obtained through various educational institutions in both public (TAFE) or private institutions. The following courses are available through various educational providers:

• Certificate II in Extractive Industries Operations
• Certificate III in Extractive Industries Operations
• Certificate IV in Extractive Industries Operations
• Certificate V (Diploma) in Extractive Industries Management
• Certificate VI (Advanced Diploma) in Extractive Industries Management

Registered Training Organisations

There are comprehensive training programmes leading to relevant qualifications.

Registered training organisations (RTOs) are providers and assessors of nationally recognised training. Only RTOs can issue nationally recognised qualifications.

In order to become registered, training providers must meet the Australian Quality Training Framework 2007 (AQTF 2007) standards. This ensures the quality of Vocational Education and Training (VET) services throughout Australia.

Training organisation register to provide nationally recognised training with its relevant state or territory registration authority.

When registering the RTO must state its scope of registration detailing:

• the training or assessment it intends to deliver
• the fields or industries in which it may deliver training or assessment
• the maximum level of qualifications it may issue.

To ensure an RTO continues to deliver quality training or assessment, its registration must be renewed with the relevant state or territory registering authority at least every five years. The registering authority can audit the RTO at any time during its period of registration.

Types of Registered Training Organisations

RTO include TAFE colleges and institutes, adult and community education providers, private providers, community organisations, schools, higher education institutions, commercial and enterprise training providers, industry bodies, and other organisations that meet registration requirements.

All registered training organisations are entered into the National Training Information Service (NTIS) database listing their details and scope of registration.

RTO Course providers

There are numerous public and private course providers in Australia and these can be accessed on-line at http://www.ntis.gov.au/

Opportunities

Quarry Management Certification System (QMCS)

As the professional body for quarrying in Australia, The Institute has established a voluntary system of certification for its members, which includes:

*  Specific grades of certification
*  minimum qualification requirements for each grade of certification;
*  minimum experience requirements for each grade of certification;
*  the requirement for endorsement of applicants by suitably qualified or experience industry participants;
*  requirements for on-going professional development for the achievement of and maintenance of Certified Practicing status;
*  the requirements for continuing practice in the industry for the maintenance of Certified Practicing status;
*  professional ethical standards to be adhered to by Certified Practicing Quarry Managers and Supervisor; and
*  procedures for initial and on-going assessment of certified practitioners and for auditing of compliance with the system.

Further details at http://www.quarry.com.au/qmcs

There are well over 2600 quarries spread throughout Australia.

Opportunities exist to progress from quarry worker to operative, driver, mechanic or fitter. Alternatively, it is possible to train as a driller or a shotfirer by undergoing specialist training in the use of drilling equipment and explosives.

Suitable experience will lead to supervisory and health and safety positions in the quarry, while further educational qualifications can lead to jobs such as laboratory and quality control technician, and quarry engineer or into management.

Further information

The Institute of Quarrying Australia offers a range of professional development courses/ seminars for members and the industry. These workshops ca be undertaken by anyone and are usually held nationally. Further details at http://www.quarry.com.au/page/current_pdp_workshops.html