Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, met with trainees and apprentices at BHP’s FutureFit Academy who are securing the workforce future for the mining sector.
Australia is on the precipice of a resources mining boom to meet the high demand for critical minerals required for creating low emissions technology. With this boom will see an increase in demand for qualified workers in this sector.
Hard-working Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said apprentices and trainees boost the pipeline of workers that are needed to ensure a strong economy.
“The apprentices and trainees at BHP’s FutureFit Academy are critical to meeting the high demand for workers as we lead into another mining boom,” Ms Landry said.
BHP have partnered with CQUniversity to deliver training for students at the Paget academy.
“Locals in Central Queensland know CQUniversity offer the best higher education in regional Australia. For BHP to also recognise this is a true credit to the work of our local university,” Ms Landry said.
The BHP FutureFit Academy (FFA) launched in May 2020, has to date welcomed over 800 apprentices and trainees across the two locations at Mackay in Queensland and Perth in Western Australia (over 400 in Mackay).
FFA graduates are guaranteed roles with BHP and are deployed to the company’s Operations Services teams, which provide maintenance and production support to BHP’s operations across Australia. The FFA will train 2500 people over five years with an associated investment of $300 million.
Vice President Operations Services, Matt Furrer couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve created with FFA. “No one is investing in trades and training like we are”, he said.
“Operations Services is successfully providing opportunities for thousands of Australians to benefit from permanent, well-paid jobs and high value training and career development. It works for our 4000-strong team, it works for BHP, and the communities where we operate.