Our Story: Closing the Gap, Together
Every great initiative starts by solving a problem. For Australia’s resources sector, the problem was a growing disconnect between student and the working industry — a gap that was felt on both sides of the industry.
On one side are the students. Passionate, educated, and eager to gain insight into the industry and begin their careers with useful and practical skills. They face a frustrating catch-22: you can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job. The doors to the industry feel closed, with opportunities often limited to the top-tier students at the largest companies, leaving a huge pool of capable talent struggling to get a foothold.
On the other side are the businesses, especially the small-to-mid-tier companies that form the backbone of our industry. They are frustrated by a different challenge: finding graduates who are truly “job-ready.” They need people who understand the practical realities of at least part of the resources industry, not just the theory from a textbook. The complaint was common: “We can’t find students with the right skills.”
These two frustrations were two sides of the same coin.
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The Spark of an Idea
This disconnect was something Leanne Brock, founder of AMETS, saw and heard constantly. Recognising that the problem wasn’t a lack of talent, enthusiasm, or a lack of opportunities—but a lack of a bridge between them—she sparked a conversation.
The vision was simple but ambitious: what if we could build a single, central platform to solve both problems at once? What if we could create a space where students could connect to practical, career-defining experiences before they graduated, and businesses could find and nurture the exact talent they needed?
Building a Bridge from a Shared Blueprint
Connect to Industry (C2I) wasn’t built in a silo. It was born from an unprecedented collaboration, a true meeting of minds from every corner of the sector. Working groups have included:
- Industry bodies who saw the sector-wide need for a stronger talent pipeline
- Universities that wanted to create more practical pathways for their students.
- Exploration and mining companies (both large and small) that shared their real-world hiring challenges.
- Most importantly, students themselves, who provided invaluable insight into the barriers they faced.
From these conversations, the foundational principles of C2I were forged. It was decided that to truly work, the platform had to be different.
- It had to be inclusive. It was designed to champion the body of students who are often overlooked, giving them a chance to prove their passion and practical skills.
Today, Connect to Industry is the living result of that collaborative vision. It is more than just a website; it is a community-driven solution, built by the industry, for the industry. It’s the bridge that was missing, connecting the classroom to the mine site and building the future of our resources sector, one student at a time.
Today, Connect to Industry is an independent, national, not-for-profit platform focused on building a robust and inclusive talent pipeline for the entire resources sector, with a unique and powerful emphasis on empowering SMEs and providing practical, career-defining experiences for the next generation of professionals.
Ultimately, with the help of both the students of Australia, and the resources industry, this concept and website will be fully maintained by students and funded by the resources industry.
Connect to Industry
ABOUT US
Our Mission
To empower students with career opportunities and hands-on experience, while providing industries with job-ready, forward-thinking individuals who can contribute from day one. Too many students finish their studies feeling unprepared for the workplace, while employers struggle to find candidates with both knowledge and real-world skills. C2I exists to change that. We don’t just link profiles and positions — we build partnerships, create experiences, and open doors to lifelong careers.
Governance
At Connect 2 Industry (C2I), we believe strong governance is the foundation of lasting impact. Our team operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability — ensuring that every decision we make serves the best interests of students, partners, and the industries we represent. We are guided by clear policies and ethical standards that promote fairness, equality, and inclusiveness across all our activities. From how we handle data and partnerships to how we select programs and opportunities, every process is built on trust, clarity, and responsibility.
Meet Our Team
Behind Connect 2 Industry (C2I) is a dedicated team of professionals who believe in the power of connection.
Our members come from diverse backgrounds in education, business, and industry — all working together to create real opportunities for students and reliable talent for employers.
Passionate, innovative, and people-focused, the C2I team is committed to building stronger pathways between learning and meaningful careers.
FAQ
Is C2I limited to a specific industry?
No. While we have strong roots in the resources sector, our platform supports a wide range of industries — including engineering, business, technology, and more.
How does C2I support employers?
We give employers access to a pool of skilled, job-ready students who are eager to learn and contribute — saving time and resources in recruitment and training.
WHAT IS CONNECT TO INDUSTRY?
C2I is a platform that connects students and recent graduates with real job opportunities, internships, and projects offered by industries seeking fresh talent.
How does C2I help students?
We bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students with hands-on opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to real industry environments.
Who can join C2I?
Both students and businesses can join. Students gain access to work experience and career opportunities, while industries can post roles and discover motivated candidates.
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