BHP : New pathway for people new to industry

Know someone who loves a good fixer-upper? We're partnering with South Metro TAFE and training people in general maintenance skills to work in our villages and housing portfolio.

With more than 9,000 rooms across BHP's residential camps in the Pilbara, NPI General Manager Kate Holling said there were lots of opportunities on site where general maintenance skills were needed.

'From carpentry to general maintenance jobs, the skills these students are learning are vital to the ongoing operation of our mining camps,' said Kate.

'Part of their training includes maintenance work on a replica donga you'd find at any one of our camp sites.'

The Diversity Pathway Program run by South Metro TAFE gives participants for a Certificate II in Construction Pathways - Building Maintenance and an additional skill set in electrical test and tag statutory compliance.

'We are passionate about bringing new people into our industry and providing them with the potential opportunity of a rewarding career,' Kate continued.

'Bringing new people into the mining industry is a good thing for BHP but it also has tangible, real benefits to the broader economy.'

There are 15 participants in the first Diversity Pathway Program, who have all come from different backgrounds but love a good fixer-upper - including beauty therapists, bricky's labourers and supermarket staff.

Kate said the program is another great example of BHP's commitment to creating new pathways for West Australians to get into the mining industry, and at the same time help to address skills shortages.

For more information on the program visit: https://www.southmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/maintenance-associate-diversity-pathway-program