A new collaboration between BHP and Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation aims to elevate employment and training outcomes for Kariyarra peoples.

The Kariyarra Work Ready Program offers a combination of classroom and on-the-job training to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required for a role in mining. Most importantly, it will create employment pathways for Kariyarra candidates with no prior experience.

The inaugural program kicked off in July with 11 new trainees participating in a three-to-four-month training program at BHP’s Port Hedland operations.

Led by BHP’s Indigenous Employees, the program provides a culturally safe learning and work environment for trainees.

Two Traditional Owner businesses - Yarnda Group and Ngarda Ngarli Training - have been engaged to support the program through labour hire and training delivery.

After successful completion, candidates will receive a nationally recognised Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation (RII20120), and transition into entry level roles across BHP’s Port and Rail Operations.

BHP Work Readiness Coordinator Shanna Stroud said: “Our vision is to have a sustainable Work Ready Program that removes barriers faced by Indigenous peoples, specifically the Traditional Owners of the lands in which we operate.

“Being so remote, it can be hard to find job opportunities in the Pilbara, but with a direct pathway to employment, our program will help ensure there are always opportunities for the next generation to start a career in mining.

“I’m so proud to be working with Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation to provide more opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the region.”

We have worked closely with the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation and the Kariyarra Board to develop the program, who nominated the first cohort of trainees for the pilot.

“This is a great opportunity and one I wish had been offered to me when I was younger”, said Kariyarra Elder, Alfred Barker.

The Kariyarra Work Ready Program is one of many important BHP initiatives designed to support positive outcomes for Indigenous stakeholders in Western Australia.

It strengthens our operations through increased cultural diversity and empowers a deeper understanding of the importance of critical relationships between BHP Port Hedland Operations and Traditional Owners – key pillars within our Reconciliation Action Plan.

The initiative is BHP’s first work readiness program with a Traditional Owner group in Port Hedland, having previously delivered traineeship programs with Traditional Owners at our Yandi, Newman Operations and Northern Goldfields.