The McGowan Government, in partnership with Western Australia’s resources sector, has launched a new digital resource to link Western Australians to jobs and training opportunities in the sector.
Premier Mark McGowan today joined the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) and Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) at the SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo to announce the Working in WA’s Resources Sector webpage.
The online tool, accessed through the McGowan Government’s Jobs and Skills WA website, provides information on current and future training and employment opportunities in the resources sector, and advice on how they can be accessed.
The launch of the webpage comes on the same day the McGowan Government announced it will slash fees on an additional 107 TAFE courses, as part of the Lower fees, local skills program.
The McGowan Government has now reduced fees on 180 TAFE courses to make training more affordable for Western Australians and plan for potential skills shortages in the future.
The Working in WA’s Resources Sector webpage includes information on TAFE courses that have had fees reduced, with a focus on courses that relate to the resources sector.
Specific information on opportunities for Aboriginal people and women who are interested in working in the sector will also be available.
Training Western Australians for local jobs is critical to the sector that employed 135,000 people last financial year. It also experienced record sales of $172 billion in the 2019-20 financial year, according to statistics released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Lower fees, local skills, the Skills West Expo and the new Working in WA’s Resources Sector page are just some of the training-driven initiatives to support WA on its road to recovery.
The SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo is WA’s most prestigious careers, training and employment event and provides an opportunity for students and jobseekers to seek career guidance and connect with employers.
Jobs and Skills Centre and TAFE college staff will be available to offer training and employment advice, including information on apprentices and traineeships.
The expo is on until Saturday October 24 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. For information, visit https://www.skillswestexpo.com.au
For more information about working in WA’s resources sector, visit https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/resources or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64, local TAFE college or training provider.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“This new online resource will ensure Western Australians have all the information they need to prepare for a career in the resources sector.
“We have made it clear that employing workers from the eastern states is no longer viable for our State, and we want Western Australians to be trained for future jobs in the mining and oil and gas industries.
“The new webpage will link Westerns Australians to employment opportunities and will ensure they have the right training to enter the workforce.
“Ensuring Western Australia stays safe and strong as we continue on the path to recovery is my number one priority.
“There are more than $100 billion worth of Western Australian resources projects in the pipeline, and it’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure they create jobs and training opportunities for Western Australians.
“The McGowan Government’s investment in new, world class TAFE facilities and affordable training options as part of the WA Recovery Plan will support the delivery of job-ready Western Australian workers to the resources industry.”
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“There is such a diverse range of job opportunities in the resources industry and the McGowan Government has made training more affordable than ever.
“Working in WA’s Resources Sector is a fantastic tool to find out more about the industry and the training that is needed to kick start a resources career.
“I encourage all young people and jobseekers to check out the new web page and get into the city for the SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo.”
As stated by Chamber of Minerals and Energy CEO Paul Everingham:
“CME and its members are committed to employing and training locally to build a sustainable WA-based talent pipeline that will support the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“The Working in WA’s Resources Sector page will help connect a wide range of West Australians with potential careers in a rapidly growing sector that offers diverse opportunities and which is a global leader in the use of technology.
“If you are a school leaver, graduate, a parent returning to the workforce or just somebody looking for a career change, there has never been a better time to explore the possibilities in the WA resources sector.”
As stated by APPEA WA Director Claire Wilkinson:
“We congratulate the Premier and WA Government for this important initiative that will increase awareness of the roles and opportunities in oil and gas and the relevant training required.
“Oil and gas will be part of WA’s economic fabric well into the future, just as it has supported our way of life in recent decades. It means we will need people with oil and gas specific skillsets for years to come, and it would be great if we could employ these people from within WA.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has recently highlighted skills shortages in WA we need to operate and maintain oil and gas facilities and keep essential energy supplies flowing to homes and businesses. We have noticed particular shortages in marine, electrical and mechanical, plant operator and maintenance skillsets, so training in these areas could be a good opportunity for Western Australians to work in our sector.”
Education and Training Minister’s office – 6552 5700
