Five young men graduate from first of its kind program run by Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation and Minprovise

Five indigenous job seekers have been congratulated after they completed a first of its kind scaffolding traineeship.

The program, run by Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with Minprovise, saw Quintan Stevens, Kyle Murphy, Blake Drummond, Martin Coffin and Wade Walters earn their scaffolding tickets.

As part of their traineeship, the participants took part in several courses including completing their High-Risk Licence class Basic Scaffolding, Working at Heights and Working in Confined Spaces tickets.

After the five men completed their course Minprovise and AAC held a graduation ceremony at the Hedland Hospitality Inn with more than 50 people in attendance.

Alfred Barker opened the graduation with a Welcome to Country, which was followed by speeches from Minprovise chief executive Graham Townsend and AAC chief executive Steven Sonneman-Smith.

A statement by Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation said the men were acknowledged for their positive attitudes, professional manner and willingness to learn.

“Both told the young men that they were now great role models and future leaders, to inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers and illustrate the successes that can be achieved through support and resources that allows people to achieve their full potential,” the statement said.

“The young crew have overcome many challengers during the six months of their traineeship, Minprovise ensured that at every stage the crew was supported with ongoing mentoring through Uncle Dan and Raylene Button.”

Since becoming job site ready, the crew have been undertaking the massive task of erecting 33,300sqm of scaffolding at the South Hedland Skate Park.