First trainee secures full-time role at Narrabri

The first of 10 local trainees at Whitehaven Coal’s (ASX: WHC) Narrabri coal operations (NCO) coal handling and processing plant (CHPP) has secured a full-time role.

Sam Cameron, one of the 10 trainees, was a baker in town before entering the program and he was one of the first three candidates to enrol in September 2022.

He completed all program requirements ahead of schedule and was awarded a Certificate III in Resource Processing in June 2024.

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

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

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

The traineeship program began in early 2022 with the NCO CHPP management team recognising the challenges of a competitive labour market.

To ensure the success of the program, strict guidelines were established, including only local candidates would be considered.

Training provider Natik Solutions was engaged to help design and deliver a tailored two-year program that would meet the CHPP’s specific needs.

Natik Solutions employed Tim Andersen, a facilitator and trainer with over 30 years of coal processing experience, to help with the program.

NCO surface operations manager Ashley Howard praised the overall success of the program.

“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,” he said.

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

A total of 10 trainees have participated in the program to date, with nine still actively engaged.