Opportunities built on close links

The close professional links forged during the past three years between Newcrest personnel and staff at the Hedland and Pundulmurra Colleges of Pilbara TAFE have already proved beneficial to all parties and those trainees who have successfully completed courses specifically designed to create employment opportunities at Telfer. The small steps taken initially with a small group of young girls undertaking an introductory course in Hospitality in 2003 have since grown in size and pace, with a broader range of training programs currently on offer, and more on the way. Some examples of Newcrest-sponsored courses help make the point: Eight trainees are currently taking part in a Certificate level course in Hospitality; twelve senior Indigenous community leaders recently started an intensive live-in program to prepare them for presenting a Cross-Cultural Awareness Program developed in conjunction with Newcrest’s Community Relations staff for delivery eventually to the entire Telfer workforce; the finer details of the components of an Industrial Skills course are being finalised; while training programs for archeological assistants, pilot vehicle drivers, and horticultural assistants are now on the drawing board. Pilbara TAFE and Newcrest personnel are constantly in touch regarding the employment opportunities at Telfer, and the strength of the relationship is enabling responses that are fast and positive.

Kitchen students ‘keen as mustard’

The eight students currently mid-way through a 10-week live-in Certificate II course at Hedland College in Kitchen Operations are thriving in the learning environment, according to Chief Lecturer Janelle Cockayne. “The students range in age from 18 to 35 years, they are very keen and willing to learn, and they all want to work,” Janelle said. “Once they have completed their studies, I am sure they will all prove to be highly suitable employees. They won’t mind what specific tasks they are assigned, as long as they get a job. “Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s good for me too because I can see clearly that I am helping to make a difference for them. They are learning to be proud of their achievements.”

Industrial Skills course to support General Services

The new three-month Industrial Skills course, which will be offered initially to 14 candidates selected from Newcrest’s Skills Register, is being developed as a training conduit to support the activities of the Company’s first General Services contractor, who is expected to begin operations in July. The course participants will be given on-the-job training in a variety of skills, including plant machinery and power tool operation, welding, waste recycling, road maintenance and environmental rehabilitation.

Daniel takes control

For 24-year-old Daniel Toby, this was a dream come true. As Daniel walked along the pipeline being laid between Port Hedland and Telfer in his role as a monitor last year, he looked into the distance to see a huge Cat793C carting ore at the mine site.

Daniel turned to his mentor, Community Relations Officer for Indigenous Employment, Rod Anthony, and said: “I’d love to be driving one of them some day.” Rod took note of the comment, but said nothing at the time. A few weeks later and after several discussions with key Newcrest personnel, Rod contacted Daniel. “Daniel, I think we can help you get to drive one of those Cat793C’s,” Rod said. Daniel was flown to Perth to undertake a driver training course for the Heavy Rig vehicles and passed the exam with flying colours. He returned to Telfer, undertook more on-site training, received his Pit Driver’s Licence, and was handed the keys in late February. Since then it’s been hard to wipe the smile from Daniel’s face. He is amongst a select few chosen to drive the 14 Cat793C’s in service at Telfer. The vehicles can carry up to 240 tonnes of ore in one load.

But Daniel is not alone in being a role model steering a new course for young Indigenous men and women. Joe Coppin is another Indigenous worker driving Cat793C’s at Telfer. “They’re big trucks, but they’re not scary – if you know what you’re doing,” Daniel said. “I’ve been trained well, I know what I’m doing. “This is a good Company. They’ve helped me to learn, and I’ve made good friends here. I’m part of a team, and the other more experienced drivers have also been willing to give me good advice.”

And Daniel has some good advice for other young Indigenous people considering a career in the resource sector: “Stay away from alcohol and drugs,” he said. “Go to school, study, and don’t waste the opportunity to learn. “We are paid well for the work we do, and it’s a good life.” Daniel’s other loves keenly await his return home to Marble Bar for a week’s rest after each two-week shift at the mine site. Daniel married Tanya Kickett three years ago, and they have two children, Zoe (2 years) and Jemma (3 months).