Izzan Nur Aslam: Bridging Education and Industry to Build a Better Mining Workforce

Izzan Nur Aslam is on a mission to improve the employability of Indonesia’s mining graduates by building stronger connections between education and industry.

As a lecturer and researcher at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) and Academia-Industry Liaison at Indonesian Mining Professionals Association Aceh, Izzan recognised a critical issue.

When the first students from USK’s mining engineering program began graduating in 2016, there was a mismatch between their skills and the needs of the industry.

“While their employability was good, with an average waiting time of less than six months to find work, the alignment between their skills and industry requirements was not good enough,” Izzan explained.

He began to dedicate his work to ensuring students were equipped with the relevant skills to thrive in the competitive mining sector.

A Turning Point: The Aus4ASEAN Short Course

In 2024, Izzan attended the Aus4ASEAN Short Course on Skills Forecasting for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Delivered by Griffith University, the course introduced him to cutting-edge approaches in workforce planning and data-driven decision-making.

“The course exceeded my expectations in every way,” Izzan said. “We were introduced to comprehensive data science tools for predicting national skill needs, and I saw firsthand how Australia integrates vocational education with industry demands, particularly through institutions like TAFE.”

In Australia, he was impressed by the seamless integration of education, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.

“It was remarkable to see how students weren’t just learning—they were working in real-world settings, whether running a café, gym, or salon, managing energy-efficient facilities, or engaging with industry projects,” he shared.

These insights inspired Izzan to adopt a similar approach in Indonesia. He began developing initiatives that bridged university and industry, leveraging what he had learned to create impactful programs at USK and beyond.

Creating Impact Through University-Industry Collaboration

In 2023, Izzan initiated a strategy to bridge the gap between university and industry. Using his role as a liaison between USK and local mining companies, he created opportunities for students to gain real-world experience while still at university.

“I believe students should be as close to industry as possible from an early stage. During my time in Australia, I saw how the education system integrates hands-on learning with academic studies. Students there can gain practical experience, understand industry expectations, and align their skills with market needs. That’s the approach I’m working to adapt at USK,” Izzan shared.

Through his efforts, two USK students successfully secured placements with mining companies during their undergraduate studies. These students undertook research projects and analysed real industrial challenges, allowing them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for professional success.

Both students managed to complete all their academic requirements in just three and a half years. But instead of graduating early, they took advantage of their student status to maximise their opportunities. They chose to complete the full four-year program, and spent their final semester interning at Aceh’s Mining and Energy Office. During this time, they not only gained further industry experience but also achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a national competition.

“This approach creates a win-win situation. The companies benefit from fresh ideas and innovative solutions, while the students gain invaluable experience and improve their employability. By the time they graduate, they’ve already proven themselves in the workplace,” Izzan explained. 

Expanding on this success, when Izzan returned from the Aus4ASEAN Short Course, he immediately spearheaded a summer school program. This initiative united students and lecturers from Indonesia and Malaysia for a collaborative, hands-on experience in the mining sector. The program included almost 60 students and 15 lecturers from both countries, who participated in fieldwork across several mining companies in Aceh Besar and West Aceh. 

Izzan applied best practices from his experience in Australia to ensure the program’s success. For instance, he introduced structured problem-based learning models inspired by the Australian system, enabling participants to approach industrial challenges systematically. Additionally, he encouraged the use of data analytics in field projects, reflecting methods he had studied at Griffith University. 

“We aimed to ensure students could communicate technical ideas effectively to both industry professionals and local communities,” Izzan explained. “Often, technical experts struggle to convey their ideas in a way that resonates with the public. This program helped bridge that gap.” 

By blending hands-on technical education with cross-cultural collaboration, Izzan’s initiatives have not only enhanced student learning but also fostered stronger ties between academia and industry, paving the way for a more skilled and adaptable workforce in Indonesia.

Sustainability and Workforce Transition

As Indonesia moves toward renewable energy, Izzan is focusing on reskilling workers affected by the decline in coal mining. Drawing from Australian practices, he advocates for proactive workforce planning to ease the transition. 

“In Aceh, currently over 2,431 people rely on coal mining for their livelihoods. When coal is phased out, they need to be prepared to transition into renewable energy sectors,” Izzan said. 

Collaborating with Associate Professor Amy Shaw from Griffith University, Izzan has submitted several proposals to fund projects aimed at reskilling workers. Although some proposals are still under review, his commitment to this cause remains steadfast.

“She has supported our proposals for cooperative projects related to energy transitions and workforce preparation. These connections have been invaluable,” he shared.

Izzan is also the Manager of the Diamond Catalyst Pro Program at Diamond Link Indonesia^[1], a startup that provides training programs for individuals and communities connected to the mining sector.

It’s another role where Izzan is integrating data-driven decision-making and facilitating collaboration between universities and industry. He surveys industry stakeholders to identify the emerging skill demands, with the results then used to create targeted training activities.

“My role is mostly focused on helping students, professionals, and surrounding communities transition into roles that meet modern mining industry demands,” he said. “For example, we need to think about the links and the match between campus and the mining industry, particularly when regulation is leading to a new sustainable mining approach. So, there’s a gap that I want to tackle here.”

Co-founded by mining expert Tri Dedi Gunawan, Diamond Link aims to not only provide training but to support broader goals of sustainability and social impact in Indonesia’s mining sector.

Looking ahead, Izzan aspires to pursue a PhD and to continue contributing to sustainable development. He remains committed to fostering international collaborations and preparing the next generation of mining professionals.

“My goal is to keep building bridges—between academia and industry, between Indonesia and the world. It’s about creating opportunities for growth and innovation,” Izzan concluded.