Glencore Coal has continued to show its commitment to strengthening opportunities for First Nations people in its communities with the opening of applications for its 2026 First Nations Pathways Program (FNPP).
The successful program is intended to to empower First Nation Australians with ties to the land near Glencore’s Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) operations, and will commence in May, featuring a 26-week paid education and training initiative.
Glencore First Nations program coordinator Carrie Bendeich said the program has a track record of providing a unique opportunity for First Nations Australians to become job-ready for careers in the resources sector.
“Across our Australian businesses, we aim to foster meaningful relationships built on respect and trust with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Bendeich said.
“Now in its eighth year, the FNPP continues to deliver life-changing outcomes, with many graduates securing ongoing employment by the end of the program.
“That success has also come full circle, with some former participants returning as mentors for new FNPP cohorts.”
She added that the program equips participants with practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications.
This enables them to “step confidently” into employment and gives them the ability to build sustainable careers.
“Every year we look forward to meeting keen applicants who are ready to build a career path, and achieve their goals, to set themselves up for the future,” Bendeich said.
Successful applicants will take part in the 26-week training and work experience program.
This will be delivered in two phases across Glencore Coal operations in the Queensland Bowen Basin and the Hunter Valley in NSW.
After the program, participants will have fulfilled the requirements to obtain a Certificate II Surface Extraction Operations, as well as gain important employment skills and practical industry experience.
Applications are currently open and will close on Friday, 20 February 2026. To learn more, head to the First Nations Pathways Program webpage.
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