Aboriginal employment programme brightens future
As part of its Aboriginal employment strategy, Coal & Allied has developed a training programme, helping Aboriginal people enter meaningful employment in the mining industry.
The 12 week Aboriginal Operator Training programme, run at Hunter Valley Operations (HVO), has seen five Aboriginal people - four men and one woman - begin employment with HVO as mining operators.
Coal & Allied Aboriginal Relations specialist Cate Sims, who oversaw the programme, said it was specially designed to overcome traditional barriers.
"Most mining operators are required to have a year 10 certificate, plus documented work experience, which can be an obstacle for some Aboriginal people," Ms Sims said.
"The programme at HVO was tailored to overcome these obstacles while ensuring the trainees were well equipped to begin work, by incorporating classroom theory, safety lessons, truck simulator training and practical one-on-one coaching out in the mine pit.
"We are delighted with the results of the programme, as these operators are now in well paid jobs with practical skills that make them very marketable in what is a growth industry."
RTCA External Relations general manager Fiona Nicholls said the programme reflected a genuine desire by Coal & Allied to go beyond simply recognising Aboriginal interests towards providing real opportunities for Aboriginal people to build a sustainable future.
"The HVO Aboriginal Operator programme is the first of its kind and was designed to secure sustainable livelihoods for Aboriginal people near our mine sites," Ms Nicholls said.
"The benefits from such employment will flow onto the new employees' families and the community at large."
Mining Operator Burral Galigabali of Muswellbrook said he was pleased to have completed the training and now be working in the mining industry.
"I think most of us have fitted pretty easily into shift work and it's been quite an easy transition into the workforce," Mr Galigabali said.
"Coal & Allied have created an excellent opportunity for us. Anybody in the Aboriginal community can achieve this if they set their minds to it - there are opportunities out there to be able to lead a decent life."
