SOUTH32 launched the Indigenous Work Experience Program last year in partnership with indigenous owned Western Labour Hire Pty Ltd.

The program provides local indigenous people with the opportunity to gain 12 months paid work experience with SOUTH32 while undertaking industry training and gaining valuable on the job work experience at Cannington mine near McKinlay.

The program is an entry ticket to a mining career and Cloncurry’s Ezhekial Metcalfe was determined to make the most of it.

“I know how hard it is to break into the industry when you have no experience and this program was also offering paid employment for 12 months .... I really did see it as an opportunity of a lifetime,” Ezhekial said.

“During the past 12 months I’ve worked at Cannington’s process plant with really good people who have showed me the ropes and supported me while I was learning.”

SOUTH32 recently sponsored Ezhekial to obtain his EWP and Overhead Gantry Crane tickets and Ezhekial hopes to combine work and part time university to explore a further career path with SOUTH32 and the mining industry.

Rob Jackson, Vice President Cannington Operations said Ezhekial was a great ambassador for the Indigenous Work Experience program.

“Supporting the local community through employment opportunities is important to us,” Mr Jackson said.

“With this program, we wanted to give young indigenous people an entry level experience that could launch a future career in mining while still being able to remain close to home and family.”

Western Labour Hire Operations Manager Adrian Connolly said Ezhekial’s success should be celebrated by the local indigenous community.

“Ezhekial has forged a path that other young indigenous people in the local community can follow,” Mr Connolly said.

Applications for the second round of SOUTH32’s Indigenous Work Experience Program close 4pm Friday March 23.

Applicants need to apply online with Western Labour Hire via their website www.westernlabourhire.com.au