Thirty-one apprentices start the four-week program, which is run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, learning trade skills in an environment that replicates practices on mine sites.

Moranbah State High School’s Coalfields Training Excellence Centre will host the program before the apprentices – 16 who are female – then embark on their fulltime roles at six BMA sites across Central Queensland.

QMEA director Katrina-Lee Jones said the initiative, in its second year, broke new ground in the education and training sector, ensuring a safe, seamless transition from school to site.

“The BMA Work Readiness Program was a logical extension to our schools program with a number of BMA apprentices participating in QMEA experiences over the past few years,” Jones said.

“It was also great to see that half of the apprentices are women, who gained their places based on merit.

”It also comes at a time when Queensland Resources Council members are becoming concerned about the availability and cost of skilled labour as the sector picks up.”

The QMEA said all of the apprentices in the program came from regional towns, which was a measure of the support and engagement it had with local communities.

“This regional focus is typified by the fact that 31 of the 35 QMEA schools come from outside Brisbane, including Moranbah State High School where this training course is being held,” it said.

“This initiative to quickly integrate apprentices to add value for their employers almost from day one, is of enormous benefit.”

BMA Peak Downs Mine general manager Sean Milfull said the health, safety and wellbeing of its people was central to the organisation and the program.

“This program ensures that from day one our new apprentices will work safely and be productive members of their maintenance teams,” Milfull said.

 

“BMA is excited to be investing in the future, with the induction of 31 trade apprentices in 2017. In partnership with the QMEA we look forward to collectively providing a supportive learning and mentoring environment for our new apprentices, with the Work Readiness Program offering the perfect starting point.’’