The publication contains a description of the Sectoral Qualifications Framework for Mining Sector (SQFM), which was developed as part of the joint project of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management of AGH University of Science and Technology and JSW Szkolenie i Górnictwo Sp. z o.o.

Mining is, and may continue to be in the future, one of the most important sectors of the Polish economy. There's a lot of validity to this statement. One of the reasons being the level of sales revenue generated by the mining industry and, consequently, profits, which directly translate into added value the industry creates, and its impact on Poland's GDP. According to the Central Statistical Office, the mining industry generated 5.3% of Poland's gross domestic product in 2018. This indicates the mining industry's great importance for the Polish economy.

The mining industry is facing significant staffing shortages. The number of students pursuing vocational, secondary, and higher education in mining majors declined by 75 percent between 2008 and 2018. Therefore, the mining industry will generate a continuous demand for new skilled workers in the coming years.

The mismatch between the educational system and the needs of the changing mining technologies in recent years should be considered the main reason for the above state. It fails to keep up, both in terms of methodology and evaluation, with the systemic changes in the industry aimed at further improvement of its production and economic efficiency, while improving the safety of employees.

At least a dozen students apply each year to get a degree in mining, seeking professional certification. A number of educational organizations have been established, which, not always acting in full compliance with the educational system, prepare future trainees of the art of mining.

Download "Sectoral Qualifications Framework for Mining Sector" (PDF)