A regional Skilling South Australia project will see 35 participants combine a Certificate III qualification with work at the world's largest zircon mine, with around half of all participants identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Iluka Resources has partnered with TAFE SA and Apprenticeship Network Provider MEGT to upskill staff at their Jacinth-Ambrosia site, approximately 800 kilometres north-west of Adelaide.
The Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said this project is a prime example of how collaboration between government, industry and the training sector can develop vital skill sets in some of South Australia's largest industries.
"Training forms a key part of Iluka Resources' workforce plan to improve performance and retention rates," Minister Pisoni said.
"But it's been difficult for the company to deliver training given the remote location and specialist equipment required.
"The support of the Marshall Liberal Government and the arrangement with TAFE SA and MEGT has allowed the business to recommence their traineeship program after a few years' hiatus.
"This is the exact reason Skilling South Australia project funding was established - to encourage employers to get creative and implement innovative training and upskilling projects that may not fit the usual mould."
Education Minister John Gardner said this was another example of TAFE SA working with industry delivering the training that businesses and the workforce requires.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to supporting the strategic direction for TAFE SA to become an effective, sustainable public provider offering choice and the high-quality training that meets industry needs," said Minister Gardner.
"This project, delivering a Certificate III in Resource Processing to students employed on site in the state's Far West Coast, is a great example of government and industry working together to deliver the training that is required to skill South Australia's workforce.
"This partnership also supports many Aboriginal students through increasing pathways to success and helping to deliver higher educational and employment outcomes."
Jacinth-Ambrosia Operations Manager Hamish Little said the program will enable the company to provide professional development opportunities to employees from remote communities, including those from the Far West Coast.
"Supporting positive employment outcomes for the Far West Coast community is an important pillar of Iluka's operations at Jacinth-Ambrosia," Mr Little said.
This project is one of more than 90 Skilling South Australia Projects, worth more than $17 million, now underway, funded by the State Government and co-designed with industry.
For more information, visit skilling.sa.gov.au/projects.
