THE QUEENSLAND Resources Council (QRC) has blamed glamorised forensic television shows like NCIS for the lack of engineers in the mining industry.
The group claims that students studying mathematics are opting to study forensic science over engineering due to their exposure to these programs.
The QRC's most recent quarterly report shows the minerals and energy sector contributed $41 billion to state gross product in 2007-08, and chief executive Michael Roche says the skills shortage is "far from resolved".
The University of Queensland's School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering claims that highly publicised layoffs have meant fewer people have come into mining engineering. Forty-five budding engineers commenced the degree in 2009 compared with sixty-three in 2008.
But Des Caulfield, SkillsDMC chief executive officer says that while poor economic conditions slow market demand, organisations need to continue training and developing employee’s critical skills areas to help maximise productivity now and in the future.
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