The first cohort of BHP’s Advanced Apprentices have graduated with university qualifications, opening the door to some exciting career opportunities.
BHP’s Advanced Apprentices program is part of the company’s Future of Work Program that seeks to strengthen economic resilience in regional communities through advanced apprenticeships, skills and training that are relevant to the needs of the community, the local workforces and small businesses.
The program is delivered across Australia at all of BHP’s sites, designed to prepare the regional workforce of the future, alleviate skills shortages and create a pipeline of skilled workers for local businesses.
Students from the Mackay and Bowen Basin regions are the first to have graduated in the Advanced Apprentices program and did so with a Diploma of Business in the Digital Age from Central Queensland University (CQU) who co-designed the pioneering course with BHP, local businesses and regional stakeholders.
BMA Head of Operations Mariette Bylsma attended the graduation and acknowledged the importance of regional Australians having the same opportunities as those living in cities.
“BHP is so passionate about this program as it gives regional Australians opportunities to help them, and businesses prepare for the future and to help resolve skill shortages in regional areas.
“Not only has this course given these students the opportunity to broaden their skills, but it has also given businesses an in-depth look at potential risks and actions that may help them grow in a more digitally safe direction moving forward,” she said.
Camille McDonald who is a Project Officer at GW3 graduated from the innovative program that enabled her to study towards a higher education degree all while being paid to do hands-on industry experience.
“Being able to earn and learn is really important for a community to give that option for those people that can’t take that time off to do separate study.”
BHP is aiming to create 1,000 opportunities by late 2025, by funding students to undertake further education or skills development.
The entire program is supported by the Australian Government Department of Education to help regional Australians and businesses prepare for the future and help resolve skill shortages in regional areas.
