BHP Mitsubishi Alliance launching new careers

BMA has launched a recruitment campaign for 67 accredited traineeships, meanwhile 60 new apprentices started their BMA journeys on site. 

This apprentice intake is the largest group to date with locals from Moranbah, Dysart, Greater Mackay, Blackwater and Emerald as well as Central and Northern Queensland.

The group completed their Work Readiness Program at Emerald TAFE, before heading off to their respective sites for the first time on Monday to get hands-on experience in their chosen fields.

The accredited trainees will build qualifications and skills in the disciplines of Resource Processing, Surface Extraction, Laboratory Skills, Business Administration, Mine Scheduling and Warehousing.

Together, these opportunities have created 127 employment pathways for the Bowen Basin’s next generation of miners.

Nathan Deguara, Maintenance Manager at BMA’s Blackwater mine said welcoming the new apprentices to the business and kicking off recruitment for the trainees are milestones worth celebrating.

“It was fantastic to see our biggest intake of apprentices to date,” he said. “What’s even more exciting is another 67 individuals will have the opportunity to join BMA as trainees within the next few months. I was especially proud to meet the eight apprentices who are joining our team, and excited to learn that 25 of the future trainees are destined for Blackwater mine too.” 

Blackwater local, Zoe Hodkin, started a Diesel Fitter apprenticeship at BMA’s Blackwater mine. After spending two years as a BMA contractor trades assistant, Zoe found a passion for mining and found it to be the opportunity of a lifetime.

“It was a lightbulb moment for me when I realised that I really love this industry and that completing this apprenticeship is an opportunity of a lifetime,” she said. “Of course, you do have doubts, where you think I don’t know if I can do this – but then you have to give it 100% and just go for it.”

The apprentices have completed a three-week work readiness program at Emerald TAFE to equip them with the skills required to work at mine sites, with a heavy emphasis on safety.

Following the trainee recruitment campaign, the successful applicants will undergo a similar work readiness program before commencing the 24-month traineeship.

BHP and BMA have a long history of investing in skills and training, as well as creating pathways and employment opportunities for the next generation of miners.