Fortescue Metals : recruits Defence Force veterans

Nov 30, 2018

Fortescue Metals Group has been successfully recruiting former Defence Force personnel for trades roles at its mine sites in the Pilbara. Since the launch of the program in August 2018, 51 veterans have commenced work at Fortescue's operations as heavy diesel mechanics.

Fortescue worked with Ironside Recruitment to identify current and former members of the defence force who were looking to secure the next step in their career, and Fortescue's Rapid Trades Upskilling program was established to expand the veterans' qualifications to meet mining industry standards.

Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, said 'Fortescue has a proud history of delivering opportunities through training and employment pathways and we are always looking to attract individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who share our values of family, integrity, courage and determination.'

'Our veterans' recruitment program has been extremely successful and we look forward to welcoming more members of the defence community to the Fortescue family.'

In an effort to promote the benefits of employing former Defence Force personnel, Fortescue participated in a roundtable discussion on 30 November hosted by the Prime Minister's Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans' Employment.

Linda O'Farrell, Fortescue's Group Manager Fortescue People, represented the Company at the event and spoke of Fortescue's veterans' training strategy.

'Building on their experience as heavy road transport auto-mechanics, the veterans participated in Fortescue's Rapid Trades Upskilling program, a four week course allowing them to specialise in heavy mobile equipment mechanics and complete high risk work licences,' Ms O'Farrell said.

'To date, 41 veterans have started work at our Christmas Creek operations, with a further 10 at Cloudbreak, and they are already positively impacting our business with their strong alignment to our culture and values.'