BHP and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment will create new training opportunities for up to 1000 Australians in regional areas through a new partnership to help support the country’s economic recovery.
The Future of Work Program will help strengthen economic resilience in regional communities through advanced apprenticeships, skills and short-course training opportunities, targeted to address the specific needs of local workforces and small businesses.
Minister for Education and Youth, Alan Tudge, said the partnership is part of the Government’s focus on giving Australians, particularly in regional Australia, the opportunity to boost their skills and improve their employability.
“The partnership will also support growth in regional areas by improving access to education, upskilling locals and creating pathways to employment.”
“The initiative builds on the Government’s Job Ready Graduates package that will create an additional 100,000 university places by 2030, 50,000 new short course places and provides more incentives for regional students,” he said.
BHP’s President Minerals Australia, Edgar Basto, said BHP will invest $30 million in the program.
“BHP is proud to be supporting a business-led recovery through our ongoing operations and significant investments in regional Australia,” Mr Basto said.
“The advanced apprenticeships and short courses offered by the Future of Work Program will help develop the workforce of the future.”
“Australians will be able to re-skill, embrace technology and find new jobs in many sectors, not just mining. We are proud to play our part in helping Australian communities on the road to recovery,” he commented.
BHP employs about 45,000 people in Australia, and last financial year delivered more than $A33 billion in value to the national economy.
In October last year, BHP pledged to create 3500 new apprentice and training positions, and boost business opportunities for Australian METS sector companies, with an investment of nearly $800 million over the next five years.
For more information, including how to apply, visit regionalfutureofwork.com
