MENTOR TO HELP FNQ INDIGENOUS APPRENTICES SUCCEED
Published Monday, 30 July, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Young Indigenous apprentices working in Rio Tinto Aluminium’s Cape York mine will receive on-the-job mentoring as part of a new initiative by the Beattie Government.
Acting Minister for State Development Desley Boyle today announced $120,000 towards the new Indigenous Work Mentor pilot program which will be initially run at Rio Tinto’s bauxite operations in Weipa.
“Rio Tinto will use the funding to recruit an Indigenous mentor experienced in the mining industry. The mentor will share the practical knowledge they’ve gained from years in the workforce to support trainees and apprentices in the early stages of their careers,” Ms Boyle said.
“The program will focus on trainees and apprentices in their first year as this is the time when many challenges often need to be faced.
“Many of the young Indigenous people employed have had little previous job experience, and for some, it’s the first time they’ve been in the workforce.
“This can be very daunting, particularly at a large mine site.
“In addition, there are often many issues outside of work that have an impact on their jobs, so the mentor can provide guidance in managing these responsibilities.
“The aim is to support young people in gaining qualifications and work experience that will be of great value to them throughout their lives.”
Ms Boyle said if the pilot program was successful, it could be expanded into other areas in Queensland.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
July 30, 2007
Acting Minister for State Development Desley Boyle today announced $120,000 towards the new Indigenous Work Mentor pilot program which will be initially run at Rio Tinto’s bauxite operations in Weipa.
“Rio Tinto will use the funding to recruit an Indigenous mentor experienced in the mining industry. The mentor will share the practical knowledge they’ve gained from years in the workforce to support trainees and apprentices in the early stages of their careers,” Ms Boyle said.
“The program will focus on trainees and apprentices in their first year as this is the time when many challenges often need to be faced.
“Many of the young Indigenous people employed have had little previous job experience, and for some, it’s the first time they’ve been in the workforce.
“This can be very daunting, particularly at a large mine site.
“In addition, there are often many issues outside of work that have an impact on their jobs, so the mentor can provide guidance in managing these responsibilities.
“The aim is to support young people in gaining qualifications and work experience that will be of great value to them throughout their lives.”
Ms Boyle said if the pilot program was successful, it could be expanded into other areas in Queensland.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
July 30, 2007