BHP Mitsubishi Alliance welcomes 2024 apprentices

Thirty new apprentices have started their apprenticeships with BHP Mitsubishi (BMA), coming from a range of different regions across Queensland.

This marks the fourth consecutive year there are more female apprentices than males with a mix of school leavers and mature apprentices.

Prior to beginning their apprenticeship, each person participates in BMA’s work readiness program at the Emerald TAFE, which focuses on what the program entails and what the apprentices can expect once they begin.

BMA apprentice coordinator Andy List welcomed the new apprentices.

“It’s been another great intake of apprentices this year and the work readiness program has been a good opportunity to welcome them to BMA and prepare them for their future careers, focusing on safety and explaining why this is our number one focus while on site,” he said.

The apprentices will be specialising in a range of skills and trades such as electricians, mechanical fitters, diesel fitters, boilermakers and auto-electricians across many of BMA’s mine sites in the Bowen Basin.

One of the new apprentices Keira, who is specialising in becoming a mechanical fitter at the Hay Point coal terminal, says this experience is life changing.

“I’m fresh out of school and moved from Cooktown to start in the industry and I’m looking forward to creating a new life, but I’m most excited about being hands on and developing skills which will see me gain a trade that I’ll take with me into the future,” she said.