The Government of Western Australia is partnering with the resources industry to pilot a new Job Ready pre-employment training program that connects participants with entry-level employment opportunities in the drilling sector.
The Driller’s Offsider Job Ready program is among a suite of new skill sets developed in collaboration with WA industries to deliver short, sharp training for job seekers and young people enabling them to upskill or reskill in industries with a need for skilled workers.
The new program will provide participants with skills to work safely on site, apply first aid and CPR, work safely at heights and operate and maintain a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Expressions of interest for the new program are now open, with the first intake of students scheduled to start training with registered training organisation Australian Training Management next month.
The training is free for all job seekers, young people, and concession-eligible students 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, 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.
Resources Industry Training Council Manager Amanda Hamilton said the program would offer an effective and sustainable response to a key industry challenge, while creating further career opportunities for West Australians.
“The challenges of the current skills shortage for the sector have been well-documented and drilling is one area in which the impact has been particularly acute,” Ms Hamilton said.
“This program will help address both current and future needs by equipping participants with the skills they need to be on site right now, and also providing pathways to training that can deliver further drilling qualifications down the track.
The first intake of students in the Driller’s Offsider program are expected to start training with a registered training organisation next month
