Launch of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program in Blackwater

28/11/2016

The first five week, work readiness program for local Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders looking to begin a career in mining has been a huge success.

The Downer celebrates launch of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program, an initiative run in partnership with the PCYC Blackwater, has been designed to provide the unique support and training required to prepare the participants for success in the mining industry.

Six participants committed to the voluntary program and all have now been offered full time positions at Blackwater Mine.

The participants will start employment in late November 2016 and have chosen from a range of positions to kick start their career, including: Production Operator, Serviceperson and Auto Electrical Apprentice.

To celebrate the successful completion of the program, the participants spent two days at the Capricorn Coast PCYC Leadership Development Centre and were accompanied by some senior leaders.

The program will start again in early 2017 and we have already received many applications from eager locals who are keen to work for our company and start their careers in the mining industry.

Nicole Pickens, HR Advisor, Downer Mining said: "We are delighted the program has gotten off to such a great start, with all our participants now set to join the team at Downer. Downer is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate and programs such as the ATSI program are testament to that."