A group of Indigenous employees has started work on the Sino Iron project after successfully completing CITIC Pacific Mining's (CPM) new Work Ready Program.
Seven people from CPM's three Traditional Owner groups - the Kuruma Marthudunera, Yaburara & Mardudhunera and Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo people - completed the 13-week pilot program, developed in conjunction with Roebourne TAFE.
The program aims to help prepare Indigenous people for the CPM workforce. Four have already started full-time work in the roles of fencing, mesquite spraying and as a ranger. A fifth graduate has started an apprenticeship in fabrication.
Manager Indigenous Employment Linda Rogers said the program received an overwhelmingly positive response from participants, their families and local community members.
"The Work Ready Program has proved very successful with all participants completing the course. Motivation levels remained high largely due to the presence of a CPM mentor (Brendon Ah Chee), regular contact with CPM employees, visits to site and the guarantee of employment upon graduation," Linda said.
In addition to receiving a TAFE Certificate in Industrial Skills, participants also completed their Blue Card, an Indigenous Cultural Awareness session and a general site induction. A wellness program has also seen fitness levels improve among participants and will help reduce the risk of injury in the workforce.
The program also supports CPM's commitment to the Traditional Owner groups to provide long-term benefits to local Indigenous people, and also demonstrates there are many people in the local community who will become valuable employees given the opportunity and support. The ultimate goal of the program is to see Indigenous employees follow a successful career path within CPM.
A second program is scheduled to be run in February 2010.