Minimum security prisoners around WA can gain mining and civil construction skills through a collaboration between Aboriginal contractor Carey Mining, the WA Justice Department and traditional landowners.
Twelve Aboriginal prisoners have graduated from the Carey Bindjareb training program run by the state department at Serpentine-based facility, Karnet Prison Farm, and are on track for potential employment.
WA Corrective Services, Mines and Petroleum and Energy Minister Rob Johnston says the project provides meaningful industry-led training for Aboriginal men with direct links to employment when they get out of prison.
“It’s a great result to have nearly two-thirds of graduates in the community gainfully employed in the mining and civil industries, and that most of the remainder are actively seeking work” he said.
Fifty-seven men have now completed the program, with two-thirds that have been released from prison gaining employment in the mining, civil and related industries.
More than half of the remainder are actively seeking employment activities at Carey Mining.
Mining services companies WesTrac, Bis Industries, Monadelphous, Alcoa and Makita have all provided equipment, site access and expertise for the program.
The program runs over 14-weeks and participants are able to obtain industry-specific skills, including a Certificate II in Civil Construction, a High Risk Forklift Ticket and a Working at Heights qualification.
The participants are also supported to reconnect with their culture and learn key life skills, resilience and confidence.
