New FREE training program for jobs in WA's resources sector

The WA State Government is partnering with Western Australia’s resources industry to pilot a new Job Ready pathways to employment program that connects participants with entry-level employment opportunities in the drilling sector.

The new Driller’s Offsider Job Ready Program is among a suite of new skills sets developed in collaboration with WA industries to deliver short course training for people to upskill or reskill in industries of identified skills need. This new program will provide participants with skills to work safely on site, and teaches how to apply first aid and CPR; working safely at heights; and how to operate and maintain a four wheel drive vehicle in preparation for working on a mining or exploration site as a driller's offsider.

Expressions of interest for the new program are now open, with the first intake of students scheduled to start the program with registered training organisation Australian Training Management in May 2022.

The training is free* for jobseekers, people aged 18—25, and concession holders; and low-fee for non-concession students.

Prior to commencing the training, participants will undertake a one-day induction delivered by industry to introduce them to a driller’s role and working environment. On completion of the course, students will be connected with opportunities to transition into employment, or they may be offered an opportunity to undertake a traineeship with a participating employer or further their training to gain a drilling operations qualification. Employers of students who transition into traineeships will be able to access State and Australian Government incentives or wage subsidies.

The Driller’s Offsider Job Ready Program was developed in consultation with the Resources Industry Training Council and key industry partners, who form part of a reference group that oversees the program.

Job Ready Programs are part of the State Government’s $5.5 billion investment in WA Recovery Plan initiatives to upskill the WA workforce and enhance employment and training opportunities following COVID-19. The State Government’s Lower fees, local skills initiative has significantly reduced course fees for 210 courses, including drilling operations and a range of other resources and mining qualifications.

You can register your interest in the Driller’s Offsider Job Ready program on the Jobs and Skills WA website.

Go to jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/pathways#drillers-offsider-job-ready-program

You can also contact our Job Ready team by email to DrillersOffsider@dtwd.wa.gov.au or by phoning 08 6551 5049.

More information about Lower, fees, local skills and qualifications reduced by up to 72 per cent is available at jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready.

Announcing the new Driller's Offsider program today,  Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said “There is a strong demand for driller’s offsiders and the McGowan Government is continuing to deliver new training programs to meet workforce needs across the resources sector. The new Job Ready Program offers a low cost and fast track training option to help Western Australians into entry-level driller’s offsider jobs while providing a pathway to full drilling operations qualifications and employment. Strong industry involvement in the program helps to link participants with employers and orientation with the working environment to ensure the industry is a good fit for them.”

Read the full media statement here

*Please see website for eligibility criteria


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Page last updated February 09, 2024