Building WA’s Future Workforce: CoRE Learning Foundation Calls for Industry Support at Diggers and Dealers

Media Release – July 15 2025

As Western Australia faces increasing pressure to secure a skilled resources workforce, the CoRE Learning Foundation is calling on attendees at Diggers and Dealers 2025 to back its nationally recognised #therealclassroom initiative.

Established in 2019, CoRE is the pipeline from education to industry, preparing students with real-world STEM skills and guiding them into future careers across mining, energy and critical minerals. The Foundation has grown from one school to 17 across the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Midwest, Wheatbelt, Goldfields and Perth metro regions, an impact that continues to grow with the support of industry leaders

“Diggers and Dealers is proud to support the CoRE Learning Foundation as it builds a vital pipeline from the classroom to the mining industry. The work CoRE is doing to engage students with hands-on, industry-connected STEM education is not only inspiring, it’s essential for the future of our sector. As a WASM graduate myself, I know firsthand how important early exposure to the resources industry can be. Initiatives like CoRE ensure that the next generation is ready to lead our industry forward.” — Myles Ertzen, Director, Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum

Key 2025 Milestones

• Pilbara CoRE Academy Launch – Year 11 and 12 students at Tom Price Senior High School now study CoRE as part of their curriculum. Local primary schools are connected to create a seamless STEM journey from early learning through to senior school.

• Expansion with CoRE Games – In 2025, CoRE is delivering immersive learning tours to multiple schools across the Midwest, Goldfields and New South Wales, giving students hands-on experience with real-world industry problems.

Why Support CoRE?

• A Proven Talent Pipeline – CoRE graduates are job-ready and aligned with industry needs

• Hands-On and Curriculum Aligned – Project-based learning that mirrors mining and energy challenges, making learning relevant

• Impact with Inclusion – 50% of alumni are female, 30% speak English as a second language, and 10% identify as First Nations

• Statewide Reach – Over 1500 students and 56 educators engaged across WA

Become a CoRE Partner

CoRE’s tiered sponsorship model offers opportunities from $10,000 to $100,000, with tailored options including:

• Professional development for educators 

• Immersive student learning through projects, mine site field trips, and events

• Industry mentoring program

• Brand awareness opportunities

Current Supporters

Curtin University, Rio Tinto, Bellevue Gold, BHP, Argonaut, IGO, Sandvik and Pantoro, to name a few who are already backing CoRE.

Join us in equipping the next generation of resource professionals and securing the future of the WA economy.

Media Contact:

Jacobi Herringer

0434 548 783

jacobi@corefoundation.com.au

By supporting CoRE, you help build a robust pipeline of talent equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the resources sector, today and into the future. Join us in empowering the next generation of STEM professionals through #therealclassroom.