Fortescue Metals Group has offered employment to a new crop of graduates of its vocational training and employment centre (VTEC) program.
Fortescue’s VTEC program has employed 836 Aboriginal people since starting in 2006.
It is now welcoming 12 VTEC graduates from South Hedland and Roebourne in Western Australia who will begin work at Solomon, Christmas Creek and Fortescue’s rail lines.
The graduates’ roles span drill and blast, ore processing facilities (OPF), production and shunting.
Recent graduate Tristan Mongoo struggled to break into the mining industry prior to commencing the VTEC program, according to Fortescue.
“I applied for quite a few jobs over the last few years and couldn’t catch a break. VTEC is a stepping stone for me to get into mining,” Mongoo said.
“Seeing one of the VTEC coordinators step into an acting general manager position recently opened my eyes to the potential career progression opportunities at Fortescue. I’d love to get into a management position one day.”
Company chief financial officer Ian Wells, who attended one of the graduations, said VTEC continues to empower generational change and sustainable development in Aboriginal communities.
VTEC, together with Fortescue’s trade up and the leadership excellence in Aboriginal people (LEAP) initiative aim to fortify its commitment to provide sustainable career pathways for Aboriginal people.
“Fortescue is a leader in its commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal people and the success of VTEC can be measured by the 836 Aboriginal people who have been offered employment since VTEC began in 2006,” Wells said.
“I am always humbled by the personal stories of our VTEC graduates, including their courage and determination to take on new challenges and begin a new career with Fortescue.”