Fortescue Metals Group Limited has launched an innovative apprenticeship program, Trade Up, will will give career opportunities to 40 Aboriginal employees.
CEO Nev Power joined Hon Liza Harvey MLA, WA Minister for Police, Road Safety, Training and Workforce Development and Women’s Interests to officially launch Trade Up at an event in Perth today.
“Fortescue is committed to creating economic opportunities for Aboriginal people through training, employment and business development by providing a hand up, not a hand out,” Mr Power said.
“Consistent with our land access agreements, we are again delivering a sustainable program that will deliver generational benefits to our Native Title partners.
“We’re proud to be leading the way in training for guaranteed jobs for Aboriginal people. The Trade Up program will open up the life-changing opportunity of a trade qualification for up to 40 of our Aboriginal employees every year.
“We particularly welcome the support and collaboration of our key contracting partners in this innovative program which sets a new benchmark for industry-led Aboriginal apprenticeship schemes. All of the participating contractors will provide opportunities for work in a range of businesses and different trades for the successful applicants, ensuring the success of the program.”
Commencing in October, up Aboriginal employees will be selected annually by Fortescue to start a 12-month traineeship which will then provide a pathway to a four-year apprenticeship program.
Fortescue direct employed workforce is currently 13 per cent Aboriginal and about 1000 Aboriginal people work for Fortescue or its contractors.
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