Downer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program in Blackwater

06/09/2017

The very first work readiness program for local Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islanders in Blackwater was rolled out by Downer in 2016.

This program is designed to provide support and training to prepare the local indigenous people for work in the mining industry.

PCYC Blackwater has partnered with Downer to conduct the program.

Six participants committed to the voluntary program and were all offered full-​​time positions at the Blackwater Mine. The participants started employment in late November 2016 and chose positions such as Production Operator, Serviceperson and an Auto Electrical apprenticeship.

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 Downer Production Operators Duncan Hall and Mathew Jarvis.

The program has continued in 2017 and many applications have been received from eager locals who are keen to work for Downer and start their careers in the mining industry.