Quarrying Key Findings

- The average age of workers in the industry was 40, and 45 for managers. This experienced workforce needs content tailored to their high level of experience, in order for training provision to be effective.

- 78% of operators work more than 45 hours a week. Time shortages can therefore be viewed as a barrier to training.

- Managers feel there is a lack of direct relationships between EXITO and industry which affects training choices.

- A need for independent assessors was identified to ensure a high standard of training and learning.

- Costs of training and registering with EXITO were a significant barrier for some companies.

- The Quarrying industry believes it isn't attracting new entrants as it isn't appealing and has an image problem, people view it as just a job and not a career, and competition from other industries.

- Literacy and numeracy problems were identified as barriers and deterrents to further training, as some trainees struggle to complete health and safety qualifications.

- Worker retention is not a problem with the average time in industry being 14 years. Investments in skills development should stay in the industry for long term.

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Gas Key Findings

- The average age of operators in the industry was 44, and 51 for managers. This experienced workforce needs content tailored to their high level of experience, in order for training provision to be effective.

- Despite a number of accredited education organisations, only Utilitec is offering training courses related to National Qualifications Framework qualifications.

- There was too much focus upon theory training and not enough on practical skills. Workers wanted to practice skills they had learnt and also didn't feel they received enough follow up evaluation.

- 75% of workers surveyed wanted more training in practical skills.

- Industry was confident in EXITO's standards and was satisfied with its service.

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Precious Minerals and Mining Key Findings

- 42% of workers and 39% of managers reported that they would be retiring in the next 10 years. Plans need to be in place to ensure that enough new workers are entering and staying in the industry, and that the skills of those retiring are retained by becoming assessors.

- 44% of operators and 69% of managers work more than 50 hours a week. Time shortage is a possible barrier to training.

- There is a need for industry and EXITO to better identify training requirements in terms of who, where, when, and how training is done, and how much is done.

- In order to address any expected skill shortages, 74% of managers believed that operators needed individual training and progression plans to keep them in the industry.

- Over half of managers didn't believe there were enough trainers in the industry. EXITO needs to encourage people retiring to share their skills as trainers.

- 40% of managers believed that new entrants did not have desired levels of basic literacy and numeracy.

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