Strategic Program Review – Education Review

The Challenge

MRIWA has offered PhD scholarships for more than 20 years and, between 2020 and 2026, expanded its education activities to include professional development bursaries, travel fellowships, Aboriginal scholar support, education sponsorships and initiatives supporting exploration education and research collaboration. These investments seek to attract, develop and retain talent, strengthen research capability, support professional development and improve collaboration between industry, academia and government.

An independent review is required to assess the effectiveness, outcomes, impact and strategic value of MRIWA’s education and workforce development activities. The review will examine whether the activities have achieved their intended objectives, contributed to workforce capability development, delivered value for money and remain aligned with the future needs of Western Australia’s minerals sector. It will also identify achievements, lessons, barriers, enablers and opportunities for improvement.

Proposed Solution

MRIWA has engaged Dr Rodney Thiele, to undertake an independent strategic review of the Education and Workforce Development Program. The review will combine document and data analysis with stakeholder consultation to assess program delivery, governance, resource use, engagement, educational and workforce outcomes, long-term impact, strategic relevance, sustainability and scalability.

The review will provide evidence-based options and practical recommendations regarding future investment, prioritisation, continuation, redesign, consolidation or expansion of MRIWA’s education activities.

Proposed Benefits to WA

The review will provide MRIWA with an evidence-based assessment of how effectively its education investments strengthen the skills, research capability and talent pipeline needed by Western Australia’s minerals sector. It will support decisions about the future design, delivery, resourcing and prioritisation of education and workforce development activities.

Funding DOI

10.71342/271337399259