Education
Brilliant Trainees PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 03 August 2011 16:11

Simply brilliant

They're motivated. They're interested. They've bonded together as a team. And trainer Bruce Keane is confident each of the 14 men and women from Warralong, South Hedland and Bidyadanga will successfully complete their studies.
This is the fourth group of Telfer-based students Bruce has trained in the past three years, and the first students to undertake a Pilbara TAFE Level Two course in Resources and Infrastructure Operations.
Bruce is full of praise for this new intake of students, aged from 20 to 42 years, as they study and work their way through the 13-week course that offers a mix of academic elements and practical work experience.
“They have been fantastic,” said Bruce. “They had three false starts, due to road access to Telfer being cut because of floods and a cyclone, but they're now here at Telfer, and happy, diligent, mature, attending all classes, supporting each other, and learning. 
“When you leave them for a minute, you don't return to a class of screaming kids. They are working away quietly, learning and working on their assignments as you left them.
“As an educator, you'd rate this class as simply brilliant,” Bruce said.
Course participant Peter Horace offered an explanation. “We all wanted to do this course,” said the 41-year-old from Warralong. “I want to be a haulpack driver, and this course will help. If I get a job, it will be well-paid.
“I've enjoyed the course a lot. I'm learning with friends. It's been good fun.”
Fellow-student Lindsay Balbal (27) from Bidyadanga agrees. “There's no point hanging around at home doing nothing,” Lindsay said. “I want to work. Perhaps start as a Pit Technician, then move onto driving trucks. In this course, we learn how to complete the formal requirements to get a driver's licence.
“I like the course, it's very practical. I've learnt a lot about work safety and the potential dangers, and duty of care, and I've learnt how to look after myself and those around me at work. After the study, we will get some work experience. After that, maybe I'll get a job.
“Living and studying at Telfer on a one-week-on-one-week-off roster for the duration of the course has not been a problem. I enjoy it here at Telfer. The course, accommodation, food, it's all good.
“And the people are good. They say hello even though we don't know them.
They make us feel very welcome. It's all good.”

Study session at Telfer Mechanical Studies

Bruce Keane leads the trainees in a study session at Telfer.

Trainees carry out some basic mechanical tasks.

Peter Horace practises his skills as a forklift driver under the guidance of instructor Mark McDonald.

 

 

 

 

 
Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 August 2011 17:16
 
Educational Scholarships PDF Print E-mail
Monday, 21 July 2008 14:24
Purpose

As an integral component of its Community Policy and Initiatives, Newcrest is committed to providing Development / Education Scholarship funding to assist local Indigenous people who lack opportunities to develop their potential.

The Newcrest Development / Education Scholarships offer financial and personal support to encourage and enable successful Applicants to further their skills and education. The Scholarships support some travel and living-away-from-home expenses, and costs associated with education fees, uniforms and equipment.

Scholarships are awarded to assist local community members to further their study and/or improve their sporting abilities and opportunities. The scholarships reflect Newcrest’s desire to support East Pilbara and local communities through a range of activities and strategies that focus on Community Development, Education, Training, Employment and Enterprise opportunities, whilst respecting each community’s rights and culture.

Newcrest Development / Education Scholarships provides support in the form of funding for Indigenous Group members who have excelled in their specialised field, or those who meet the criteria as outlined (above, at right)

Applicable Programs

Scholarships are available for:

  • Specialised secondary education requirements that are not otherwise available in the applicant’s community or nearest regional town.
  • Tertiary education requirements that are not otherwise available in the applicant’s community or nearest regional town.
  • Agricultural requirements that are not otherwise available in the applicant’s community or nearest regional town.
  • Sporting pursuits that are otherwise special and are not available in the applicant’s community or nearest regional town.
Criteria

Scholarships are limited to one per person and the following criteria must be satisfied:

  • The principle reason for applying for the Scholarship is that the skills and knowledge to be taught under the program are not otherwise available in the applicant’s community or nearest regional town.
  • The applicant should excel in his or her chosen field and is seeking further development.
  • There is a measurable outcome at the completion of the program.
  • Funding is not available from other sources, such as Abstudy, Federal or State Government programs, Company Scholarships from other organisations, or the Polly Farmer Foundation.

 

Requirements

Applicants must complete the Application Form (on the opposite page) and provide details for the Scholarship and the desired outcomes. Applicants must attach, with their Application Form, three written references, and provide contact details of three personal referees.

Forward the completed Application to:

Mr Leon van Erp
Community Relations Superintendent
Newcrest Mining Ltd
POBox 6380
East Perth WA 6892

Download Your Scholarship Form

Scholarship Form PDF
Last Updated on Thursday, 21 August 2008 05:34
 
Indigenous Training Program PDF Print E-mail
Saturday, 19 July 2008 12:13

Following the decision to further develop the Telfer mine, Newcrest took the opportunity to improve and expand community relations within its area of operation in the Pilbara Newcrest developed a Communities Policy and appointed a Community Relations Coordinator to put the policy into practise. One of the first community-related initiatives was the development and operation of an Indigenous Training Program, designed to train potential indigenous workers for the proposed gas pipeline from Port Hedland to Telfer.

The participants comprised men and women from the Kariyarra, Ngarla, Njamal and Birrimaya/Warrarn groups, across whose land the pipeline will traverse. The training course was divided into two segments – one for Certificates I, II and III in Civil Construction, involving skills for Trades Assistants and plant operators; and Certificate I Hospitality, relating to mine and construction camp accommodation and catering. The course also included components such as Fitness for Work, Drivers Licences, Counselling related to drug and alcohol abuse, and Cultural and Social Awareness.

The course was developed to provide the trainees with skills and experiences to enable a successful transition from long-term unemployment to work and, following experience on the pipeline, employment at Telfer. The participants learnt valuable work-readiness and work-related skills. Those trainees who successfully completed the course were employed by  Newcrest. Newcrest was extremely happy to be able to conduct the training program for indigenous trainees from the various Aboriginal groups in the region.

Those trainees who, on completion of the program, find that work on mine-related projects is not for them, Newcrest is facilitating the development and support of Hedland-based enterprises so that those who successfully complete the training program have additional opportunities to find employment.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 July 2008 15:58
 
Career Opportunities PDF Print E-mail
Saturday, 19 July 2008 11:32
Carrer Opportunities at Newcrest
Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 July 2008 06:34