STEM Worker Development and Mine Safety Training Grant

The National Science Board issued a companion policy statement saying that, “Our Nation’s Future Competitiveness relies on Building a STEM-capable U.S. Workforce.” The NSB offered some ideas to help build the U.S. workforce of the future. These ideas were formed with the purpose to create more training opportunities for workers and aspiring professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors. 

A few of ideas include:

• Governments at all levels should empower all parts of the population through investments in informal formal education and workforce development throughout the life of an individual.
• Businesses should invest in workplace learning programs – such as apprenticeships and internships-that utilize local talent.
• Governments and businesses should expand their investments in community and technical colleges, which continue to provide individuals with entry into skilled technical careers as well as opportunities for skill renewal and development for workers at all education levels throughout their careers. (Source: HCPwire)

What does this mean for professional development?

The growing demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals is creating a conversation about professional development programs. In the near future, hopefully we will start to see a rise in government funding, workplace leading programs, apprenticeships and more in this area to help individuals access the training needed to work in these sectors. 

$1.6 Million Mine Safety Training Grant to UofA

A federal grant of $1.6 million was awarded to the University of Arizona’s public health college and it's mineral resources institute to help improve mine safety training. The 3-year grant, funded by the National Institute for occupational Safety and Health, was announced Monday and will be allocated toward developing new training methods for mine workers.

One of the training methods that will be developed is computer games. These games will be made to stimulate a real-life mining environment, enabling mine workers to experience situations that they could come across on the job.  

These “serious games” will be integrated into training offered by the university and will also join forces with the office of the Arizona State Mine Inspector, mining companies, a Tucson based training company and others to form a national network that can share best safety practices. (Source: The University of Arizona)

What does this mean for professional development?

Through the new funding and the collaborative effort of UofA and Arizona-based training providers, mine workers in the region will start to see a rise in professional development opportunities for mine safety.