Ten participants have graduated in December from a unique training program, run by the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation, TAFE SA and OZ Minerals.

The 9-week course produces job-ready workers for the mining and civil sectors.

The graduates will receive a Cert II Mining, a White Card, Working at Heights, Forklift and First Aid certificates.

The training program incorporated two 4-day practical training components onsite with graduates now able to take advantage of employment opportunities at Oz Minerals and Downer. 

The course was designed by TAFE SA in response to the needs of Oz Minerals to undertake the roles of process plant operators.

Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation, Employment and Training Coordinator, Jonathan Fatt-Clifton said KAC continues to work closely with Oz Minerals and TAFE SA to provide rigorous and real life training programs that set local Aboriginal people to succeed in these unique settings.

“Kokatha are the traditional owners of the country where those mines are situated, and we are pleased to be able to work with Oz Minerals and TAFE SA to ensure Kokatha and other Aboriginal people are able to be successfully employed there,” said Mr Fatt-Clifton.

TAFE SA’ Director Ms Marg Mibus said the program has been an incredible success.

“It is successful because it caters to students as unique individuals. Our students attend every day and they know they will be rewarded at the end with the offer of paid work,” said Ms Mibus.

All graduates were interviewed by OZ Minerals HR at the end of the course for available positions and will be advised of the outcomes in the new year.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Port Augusta TAFE today Tuesday, 17 December at 2pm as was attended by various dignitaries as well as the families of the graduates.