In partnership with the resources sector, the Government of Western Australia has launched a new digital resource to link Western Australians to jobs and training opportunities in the industry.
Premier Mark McGowan joined the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) and Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) at the SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo yesterday to announce the Working in WA’s Resources Sector webpage.
The online tool, accessed through the State Government’s Jobs and Skills WA website, provides information on current and future training and employment opportunities in the resources sector, and advice on how they can be accessed.
The launch of the webpage occurred on the same day as the WA Government’s announcement that it will slash fees on an additional 107 TAFE courses, as part of the Lower fees, local skills program.
The Working in WA’s Resources Sector webpage includes information on TAFE courses that have had fees reduced, with a focus on courses that relate to the resources sector.
Specific information on opportunities for Aboriginal people and women who are interested in working in the sector will also be available.
Training Western Australians for local jobs is critical to the sector that employed 135,000 people last financial year. It also experienced record sales of $172 billion in the 2019-20 financial year, according to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety [1].
Premier Mark McGowan said the new online resource will ensure Western Australians have all the information they need to prepare for a career in the resources sector.
“We have made it clear that employing workers from the eastern states is no longer viable for our state, and we want Western Australians to be trained for future jobs in the mining and oil and gas industries,” he said.
“The new webpage will link Western Australians to employment opportunities and will ensure they have the right training to enter the workforce.”
“Ensuring Western Australia stays safe and strong as we continue on the path to recovery is my number one priority,” Mr McGowan said.
“There are more than $100 billion worth of Western Australian resources projects in the pipeline, and it’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure they create jobs and training opportunities for Western Australians.”
CME Chief Executive, Paul Everingham, said the Working in WA’s Resources Sector page will help connect a wide range of West Australians with potential careers in a rapidly growing sector that offers diverse opportunities and is a global technology leader.
“If you are a school leaver, graduate, a parent returning to the workforce or just somebody looking for a career change, there has never been a better time to explore the possibilities in the WA resources sector.”
The SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo is WA’s most prestigious careers, training and employment event and provides an opportunity for students and jobseekers to seek career guidance and connect with employers.
Jobs and Skills Centre and TAFE college staff will be available at the expo to offer training and employment advice, including information on apprentices and traineeships.
The expo is on until Saturday October 24 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. For information, visit www.skillswestexpo.com.au.
For more information about working in WA’s resources sector, visit http://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/resources or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64, local TAFE college or training provider.
