Graduates on way to jobs with FMG

Fotescue Metals Group’s Hedland-based Vocational Training and Employment Centre has celebrated its first graduation of the year with 11 graduates bound for work as mining operators at Christmas Creek mine.

After successfully completing the VTEC program at Pilbara Institute’s Pundulmurra campus, the graduates will be provided with on-the-job training provided at Christmas Creek.

Lincoln Aubrey, a stand-out graduate, said the VTEC program had been a life-changing opportunity and had made a positive impact on him both physically and mentally.

“The VTEC program has completely changed my outlook on life,” he said.

“I now feel more confident, competent and ready to go out to the mine and build a bigger and brighter future for myself and my family.

“This job means so much to me.”

Chief executive Nev Power said Fortescue’s holistic approach to its work-readiness program has been critical to the success of its vocational training and employment centres.

He added as well as providing a guaranteed job upon successful completion of the program, Fortescue was committed to helping local Aboriginal people overcome barriers to employment and providing the training and support to succeed in that job.

For Mr Aubrey this support extended to assisting him to obtain a full driver’s licence, which he said was “a huge goal not only to secure employment, but for life.”

For other graduates, the VTEC’s dedicated Aboriginal health program was integral to helping them overcome health issues that would have otherwise prevented them from passing a pre-employment medical.

Mr Power said at Fortescue, the Aboriginal development strategy was all about giving people the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.

“Our VTEC program gives Aboriginal people a very practical opportunity to change their life through training, employment and support,” he said.

“Every VTEC graduation is a testament to the hard work of our trainees and their determination to grab every opportunity with both hands.”

On site, the graduates will continue to receive mentoring and support from Fortescue’s Aboriginal development co-ordinators dedicated to helping the graduates succeed and thrive in their career.