Twelve Aboriginal prisoners are on track for potential employment in the mining and civil industries after completing a Department of Justice training program at Karnet Prison Farm.
The men graduated today from the successful Carey Bindjareb program which is a collaboration between traditional owners and Aboriginal contractor Carey Mining.
Minimum security prisoners from around the State are given the opportunity to apply for the program, which is run at a simulated mine site at the Serpentine-based facility.
Over the 14-week course participants gain industry-specific skills, including a Certificate II in Civil Construction, a High Risk Forklift Ticket and a Working at Heights qualification.
One of the graduates went a step further and received a Certificate III, after completing additional work and acting as a peer mentor during the course.
The participants are also supported to reconnect with their culture and learn key life skills, resilience and confidence.
Fifty-seven men have now completed the program, with two-thirds that have been released from prison gaining employment in the mining, civil and related industries. More than half of the remainder are actively seeking employment activities at Carey Mining.
Mining services companies WesTrac, Bis Industries, Monadelphous, Alcoa and Makita have all provided equipment, site access and expertise for the program.
As stated by Corrective Services Minister Bill Johnston:
“Congratulations to the 12 men that have graduated today from the Carey Bindjareb program. You and your families must be very proud of your achievements.
“This project provides meaningful industry-led training for Aboriginal men with direct links to employment when they get out of prison.
“It’s a great result to have nearly two-thirds of graduates in the community gainfully employed in the mining and civil industries, and that most of the remainder are actively seeking work.”
