BHP takes on 44 fresh apprentices in Hedland and Newman

BHP has employed 44 new apprentices and trainees to support WA Iron Ore operations in Port Hedland and Newman. The new recruits include nine graduates from Hedland Senior High School and Newman Senior High School, as well as 27 residential apprentices who will be based permanently in Hedland and Newman. BHP WAIO asset president Brandon Craig said it was important to provide vocational opportunities to a broad cross section of the West Australian community. “It’s vital to ensuring an ongoing influx of good people into our business but also helps address our gaps in skills and labour across BHP,” he said. HSHS graduate Blade Triffett who was born and bred in Hedland said the apprenticeship had kick started his career as a heavy vehicle mechanic for the mining and automotive industry. He completed a Certificate II with BHP while at school. “I wanted to start an apprenticeship with BHP because it has a strong presence in the community and the business holds the same values I hold myself,” he said. Sam Selwood, another school leaver, said family and a love of technology attracted him to apply for the communication technician apprenticeship. “Before me, my father was also an apprentice for BHP, along with other friends and family, so I was heavily inspired by them, and stability and security was a driving factor,” he said. “Technology is mostly what interests me in mining, from solar arrays, locotrols, surface mining technology and data centres and repeaters.” BHP’s investment in training has been ramped up to meet the shortage in skills being faced across the industry. The Hedland and Newman recruits are being trained in a diverse range of trades including electrical, mechanical fitting, heavy vehicle mechanics and communications.