Whitehaven Coal’s commitment to employing locals is continuing to deliver benefits, with the first of 10 local trainees at its Narrabri Coal Operations (NCO) Coal Handling and Processing Plant (CHPP) securing a full-time role after completing a tailored traineeship program on site.

Sam Cameron, a 25-year-old Narrabri local who was a baker in town before entering the traineeship program, was one of the first three candidates to enrol in September 2022. Sam completed all of the program requirements ahead of schedule and was awarded a Certificate III in Resource Processing in June 2024.

Sam has now accepted a full-time role at the NCO CHPP, where he is making a seamless transition as a permanent member of the team.

“The traineeship program was an incredible journey,” Sam said.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect to begin with but I jumped at the chance to learn new skills and set myself up for a long career in the mining industry.

“I’m a proud Narrabri local and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue living and working in the region.

“The support and guidance from the Narrabri CHPP team has been instrumental in my success so far and I’m excited to continue my career here at NCO.”

The program was instigated in early 2022, with NCO CHPP management recognising the challenges of a competitive labour market and choosing to invest in developing a skilled local workforce through a traineeship program. Training provider Natik Solutions was engaged to help design and deliver a tailored two-year program that would meet the CHPP’s specific needs.

Strict guidelines were established to ensure the traineeship program’s success, including that only local candidates would be considered. This local focus is fundamental to Whitehaven’s employment approach, with 75% of its NSW workforce living in the towns around its operational footprint.

To support the trainees, Natik Solutions employed Tim Andersen, a facilitator and trainer with over 30 years of coal processing experience. Tim has been an integral part of the program, forging strong relationships with all team members and trainees since it kicked off in September 2022.

Tim recently presented Sam with his certificate and a replica CAT D11T to recognise the completion of the traineeship, a milestone that carried special significance for both men.

Ashley Howland, NCO Surface Operations Manager, expressed his appreciation for Tim’s dedication to the program.

“I would like to acknowledge how much care and effort Tim puts into the trainees. He has nurtured and respected each trainee, fostering an environment of growth and development crucial to their success.”

Ashley also praised the program’s overall success and the positive impact it’s had in the region.

“The traineeship initiative has been a game-changer for us. It has allowed us to cultivate talent within our community and provide a pathway for locals to join a skilled and dedicated workforce.

“This is a two-year project that is now delivering tangible results, not just for Whitehaven but for the local Narrabri community.

“It’s a great example of our industry investing in our people and our communities for the long term. We’re proud to have been involved in Sam’s journey so far and we look forward to helping him and our other trainees continue to grow throughout their long and successful careers.”

For more information about Whitehaven’s traineeships and early-career programs, visit: https://whitehavencoal.com.au/join/.