There were emotional scenes at the latest June 2022 Solid Start Programme Graduation for the Tjiwarl Community– the traditional owners of the land on which BHP Nickel West operate about 370kms north of Kalgoorlie in the Northern Goldfields of Western Australia.

This year’s students had just completed the 8-week course after a few serious hurdles requiring tenacity and resolve from all the class participants. Family & friends were either flown in or drove considerable distances to join in the celebrations on the day in Leinster.

This was the 5th annual program we have run, born out of our original 2018 Reconciliation Action Plan. We partner with BHP and Carey Training to provide a comprehensive work readiness program that consisted of 8 weeks classroom, field and onsite work experience to give candidates a real appreciation of work life, the mining roles on offer and a recognised Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation.

The program covers topics such as money matters, goal setting, hand tool usage, Skidsteer training, as well as real on-the-job experience and visits to all aspects of mine life including nickel processing plant, open cut, and underground operations.

The program has become a standout model in efforts to provide meaningful, long-term roles and successful work paths for the Tjiwarl people – with the majority completing the course, working through Chandler Macleod and gaining skills and experience in such diverse roles as Environmental Officers, Trade Assistants, Dump Truck Operators, Laboratory Technicians and Underground Miners, just to name a few…

The site currently has over 30 Indigenous staff from the Tjiwarl Traditional Owner Group working on site, with the majority being part of our Solid Start Programme.

​​​​​​​Project Manager: Craig Myers

Recruitment Consultant: Sweta Pathanah