A new collaboration between BHP and Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation aims to elevate employment and training outcomes for Kariyarra peoples.
The Kariyarra Work Ready Program offers a combination of classroom and on-the-job training to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required for a role in mining. Most importantly, it will create employment pathways for Kariyarra candidates with no prior experience.
The inaugural program kicked off in July with 11 new trainees participating in a three-to-four-month training program at BHP’s Port Hedland operations.
Led by BHP’s Indigenous Employees, the program provides a culturally safe learning and work environment for trainees.
Two Traditional Owner businesses – Yarnda Group and Ngarda Ngarli Training – have been engaged to support the program through labour hire and training delivery.
BHP Work Readiness Coordinator Shanna Stroud said: “Our vision is to have a sustainable Work Ready Program that removes barriers faced by Indigenous peoples, specifically the Traditional Owners of the lands in which we operate.”
BHP worked closely with the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation and the Kariyarra Board to develop the program.
Kariyarra Elder Alfred Barker said: “This is a great opportunity and one I wish had been offered to me when I was younger.”
The initiative is BHP’s first work readiness program with a Traditional Owner group in Port Hedland, having previously delivered traineeship programs with Traditional Owners at our Yandi, Newman Operations and Northern Goldfields.
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