Applications are now open for the QLD Glencore Pathways Program which is aimed at providing employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians in the community.

15 participants will be selected for this year’s program and Traditional Owners living in, or with a connection to the areas near Glencore’s Queensland coal mining operations are encouraged to apply.

The program is structured to provide participants with the experience and job-readiness skills to increase their prospects of gaining employment in mining and associated services.

The program runs for 26 weeks in two phases. The first called Back to Work, is based in Clermont and accommodated at Clermont Open Cut Accommodation Village. It includes mine site prerequisite inductions, safety skills and invaluable life skills.

The second phase called Job Ready, will see participants assigned to a Glencore Coal operation in the Bowen Basin for hands on training and work experience as well as gaining relevant specific competency training, such as those required for an operator.

“Since its inception in 2019, this program is aimed at providing an opportunity for Indigenous Australians to be supported and gain valuable work skills,” said Program Manager, Mr Brian French.

“Not only can the program lead to job-readiness for employment in the mining industry, but it also allows the participants to transfer the skills they have learnt to other careers.

“Each year we continue to build and develop the program and work in consultation with local groups and the community and by doing so we’ve been able to create a genuine pathway to employment.”

The program is facilitated with the assistance of WorkPac and JobTrail and throughout the entire program participants are supported and guided by mentors.

“A key component of the success of the program is the support that the participants receive throughout. The passion of everyone involved from our work partners to the sites where the participants are hosted is phenomenal. They always have someone to talk to and the network they build extends on after they complete the program,” said Brian.

“In past years we have had a wonderfully diverse group of participants. With ages spanning decades, they come from all walks of life and backgrounds. The bonds they build as they work together and support each other is amazing to watch.

“For me personally it has been extremely rewarding to watch the lives of our participants take a new trajectory as they grow and develop. It also creates a ripple effect that spreads out among their families and communities. I’m looking forward to seeing that expand even further this year with a new intake of participants.”