BHP is partnering with South Metro TAFE to train people in general maintenance skills that can be used in its villages and housing portfolios. This new pathway is called the Diversity Pathway Program and it provides Indigenous and/ or female participants with the required skills for employment in WA’s resources industry.

Participants can expect to be right at home in the Pilbara region’s BHP villages upon course completion, as the course has been developed to mirror the BHP work environment, with workplace language and policies followed.

The Diversity Pathway Program run by South Metro TAFE results in a Certificate II in Construction Pathways – Building Maintenance for participants, and an additional skill set in electrical test and tag statutory compliance.

Kate Holling, general manager, said there were lots of opportunities on site where the demand for general maintenance skills is significant.

“From carpentry to general maintenance jobs, the skills these students are learning are vital to the ongoing operation of our mining camps. Part of their training includes maintenance work on a replica donga you’d find at any one of our camp sites,” says Ms Holling.

“We are passionate about bringing new people into our industry and providing them with the potential opportunity of a rewarding career — bringing new people into the mining industry is a good thing for BHP, but it also has tangible, real benefits to the broader economy.”

The first Diversity Pathway Program has 15 participants, who have all come from different backgrounds but love a good fixer-upper challenge.

If you or someone you know wants more information on the Diversity Pathway Program, please visit:

https://www.southmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/maintenance-associate-diversity-pathway-program

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