Apprentices to benefit from TAFE partnership with Rio Tinto

The McGowan Government welcomes Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s commitment of $50,000 to fund the upskilling of apprentices displaced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE), Rio Tinto will cover course fees for up to 200 displaced apprentices to complete a recently accredited automation qualification.

The micro-credential course for apprentices and technicians was developed jointly by Rio Tinto and SM TAFE to give students the knowledge and skills to work at top-tier automation facilities.

The course will be delivered in four-day blocks from June 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 at SM TAFE’s Munster campus.

Rio Tinto has also approved a further $50,000 for another 200 apprentices at TAFEs in regional WA the near future

The automation qualifications were developed by the Resource Industry Collaboration, led by Rio Tinto, the WA Government and SM TAFE.

Further information can be found at https://www.southmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/courses/course-working-effectively-automation-workplace

The State Government has also welcomed news that Rio Tinto is continuing to recruit workers in various roles, with more than 300 jobs currently on offer.

As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

“This is a great example of the State Government and industry working together to rapidly respond to the changes in Western Australia’s economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“WA is a global leader in automation and this course will allow Western Australians to take full advantage of the many opportunities automation is expected to deliver to industry and the WA economy.

“I congratulate Rio Tinto and South Metropolitan TAFE for making this opportunity possible for displaced apprentices to stay at the forefront of technological development in the resources sector.

“I encourage Western Australians, particularly those whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, look into the employment opportunities currently on offer at Rio Tinto.”

As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

“If you’re an apprentice who has been impacted by COVID-19, now is the time to upskill and gain the skills and knowledge required to work in an automated environment.

“TAFE is an important pathway for Western Australians looking for retraining opportunities, setting workers up for new jobs being created through technological innovation.”