In addition to the Cross Sector Action Plan which identifies the common pain points and actions identified across the nine sectors, there are a number of significant challenges to attracting and retaining talent in the Extractives sector these include:  

1. Negative Industry Perception: The Extractives sector is often perceived as unattractive due to misconceptions about long hours of manual labour, poor sustainability credentials, and high health and safety risks exacerbating talent shortages.

2. Access to Information and Guidance: Employers, career practitioners, and educators need access to current and accurate industry information to guide students and career changers toward available pathways and required skills. 

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What action is Hanga-Aro-Rau taking?

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In addition to the actions outlined in our Cross Sector Action Plan, specific actions aligned with the Extractives sector to support a strong Strong Workforce pipeline are;

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Government Guidance: Hanga-Aro-Rau are assisting employers in navigating government guidance on recruitment funding and support programs, ensuring that they can access available resources to attract and retain talent effectively.

‍Careers Advice: Hanga-Aro-Rau is advocating for the enhancement of careers advice specifically tailored to the extractives sector. This includes bringing together stakeholders to design and implement a purpose-built careers advice ecosystem, ensuring that individuals from underserved groups receive tailored guidance and support.

In addition to the Cross Sector Action Plan which identifies the common pain points and actions identified across the nine sectors, there are a number of significant challenges to qualifications and recognition in the extractives sector, these include:

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1. Complexity of Vocational Education System: Many individuals in the sector find it difficult to understand and navigate the vocational education system. The process of obtaining sector-specific qualifications and Certificates of Competence (CoCs) can be confusing and time-consuming.

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2. Priority of CoCs Over Qualifications: Following the Pike River disaster in 2010, there has been a prioritisation of obtaining CoCs for safety compliance within the sector. As a result, qualifications have taken a backseat, with some not being updated for several years.

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3. Need for Regular Review and Updating: With rapid advancements in technology and changes in industry practices, qualifications within the Extractives sector require regular review and updating to remain relevant. The lack of updates over several years has resulted in outdated skills and knowledge among workers.

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What action is Hanga-Aro-Rau taking?

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In addition to the Cross Sector Action Plan which identifies the common pain points and actions identified across the nine sectors, there are a number of significant challenges to qualifications and recognition in the ports sector, these include:

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Implementation of Explosives Knowledge for Mining Staff: Hanga-Aro-Rau is collaborating with the New Zealand Board of Examiners to implement knowledge of explosives training for mining staff. This initiative aims to increase awareness of explosives and safety risks among mining personnel who have traditionally relied on explosives contractors for expertise.

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From working directly with Industry and understanding their needs Hanga-Aro-Rau are currently working on the following qualifications. 

• List current qualifications under review for Extractives

Hanga-Aro-Rau is undertaking a number of qualification reviews for the Extractives sector – you can find more information around these and how to get involved here. And follow the links to find out more about interim rulings, or quals reviews coming up from Hanga-Aro-Rau