The successful multimillion dollar Pilbara Education Partnership between the State Government and BHP will continue to benefit local students until 2023.
This is the largest corporate and government partnership for the delivery of a public education program in regional Western Australia.
A new commitment has been made by BHP to build on the success of the previous agreement and continue to support schools and students in the Pilbara to improve education opportunities.
Under the new $6.6 million partnership, $3 million will be focused on a community-based approach to the Early Years to better prepare children for starting school. This will include ensuring families have access to important services and early intervention to address areas of concern.
This focus will support children from birth to eight years, and will monitor children in the Pilbara to make sure they are achieving developmental milestones to be successful learners.
More than $3 million will also be invested to provide students with clear pathways from primary to secondary school and into training, further study and employment.
The strategy is focused on building on partnerships with training providers such as TAFE, and Registered Training Organisations, industry and the local community to prepare young people for life beyond school.
Students from Years 7 to 10 will have new opportunities to experience life in the workplace and gain valuable skills for employment, further training or further study, by participating in job trials, work experience and community service.
Schools in Hedland and Newman, along with Onslow Primary School, Jigalong Remote Community School, Marble Bar Primary School, Nullagine Primary School and Yandeyarra Remote Community School, will all be supported by the partnership.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“It’s fantastic that BHP has committed to fund this valuable Pilbara Education Partnership for the next three years.
“We know that education is the key to setting young people up to live successful lives, and this partnership provides schools and families with the skills, tools and resources to prepare students.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“I am proud a new partnership has been signed by the State Government and BHP to continue the work being done in schools in the Pilbara.
“This new $6.6 million investment will help local children to start school better prepared for learning and increase the range of opportunities for young people so they can successfully transition into further study, training or employment once they finish school.”
