Getting ready for jobs in the WA resources sector

The WA State Government has joined forces with Western Australia's resources industry to encourage locals to take advantage of a new pre-employment pathway quickly and effectively guiding participants into employment in the sector.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today met with the second cohort of Driller's Offsider Job Ready Program participants who are training to help meet the strong demand for driller's offsiders in the resources sector. During her visit to a drilling rig at Welldrill in Cockburn, Minister Ellery also received an update on the program's early success from a reference group made up of the Resources Industry Training Council and key industry partners. The reference group is partnering with the Government to develop and oversee the program, which combines a short course and one-day induction delivered by industry.

The training is free for all jobseekers, young people, and concession-eligible students, and low-fee for non-concession students.

The pilot program is among a suite of new skill sets developed in collaboration with WA industries to deliver short and sharp training for jobseekers and young people, enabling them to upskill or reskill in industries with a need for skilled workers. Participants complete an industry induction, and are provided with skills to work safely on site, apply first aid and CPR, work safely at heights and operate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle. Industry feedback on the program has been very positive, with the first seven students to graduate from the first program having already been connected with drilling companies. Two have gained employment.

Through the program, on completion of the training students are connected with opportunities to transition into employment; undertake a traineeship with a participating employer; or further their training to gain a drilling operations qualification. Seventeen Western Australians have commenced the Driller’s Offsider Job Ready Program since it began in April 2022. Following the success of its first two rounds the program is now preparing for its third intake of participants, with applications now open for commencement in August 2022.

You can find out more and register your interest in the Driller's Offsider Job Ready Program on the Jobs and Skills WA website at jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/pathways.

You can also contact our Job Ready team on 08 6551 5049 or via email to DrillersOffsider@dtwd.wa.gov.au for further information

The State Government's Lower fees, local skills initiative has significantly reduced fees for 210 courses, including drilling operations and a range of other mining qualifications. More information about Lower fees, local skills is available at jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready.

“WA's resources sector is experiencing strong demand for skilled drillers and offsiders. To help address this shortage of workers, the McGowan Government has partnered with industry to quickly reskill new entrants to the drilling sector for the job opportunities on offer." the Minister said at today's event. "Our new Driller's Offsider Job Ready initiative is already proving successful, with both industry and participants providing extremely positive early feedback. Through strong industry involvement, the first cohort of students to complete the program have been connected with participating employers. Providing the training to jobseekers, young people and concession-eligible students for free, and to non-concession students for low fees, ensures all who want to take up an opportunity in this important industry are supported and encouraged to do so."

 

Main photo:A drilling rig at Welldrill in Cockburn. Facing camera – Tim Westcott, Vice President Australian Drilling Industry Association and General Manager Welldrill. Far left – Rocket Anderson (Australian Training Management), with Driller's Offsider Job Ready Program students (L—R) Franceis Nogor, Naeem Runowanda, Thiha Htay, and Zachary Staff. 


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Page last updated February 09, 2024