Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation and Thiess | 11 November 2026
Seven Indigenous women from Port Hedland are ready to embark on new careers in the resources sector after successfully completing the Sisters in Maintenance Work Ready Program, delivered by Thiess in partnership with Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation (AAC).
Four graduates have secured full-time maintenance placements at Iron Bridge Operations, while three others will take up New to Industry dump truck operator placements at Sanjiv Ridge, giving each participant a pathway into employment.
The program, which is run in conjunction with local training and service providers, was established to create meaningful and sustainable employment pathways for Indigenous women in the mining industry.
Participants completed AAC’s intensive eight-week pre-employment program, combining accredited training and mentoring with weekly mining-focused literacy, numeracy and digital skills training delivered by Vocational Training Services. The program was designed to build confidence, strengthen work readiness and address barriers to site-based employment.
The four women progressing at Iron Bridge are now undertaking a 10-month maintenance placement, gaining hands-on experience across a range of maintenance disciplines and building a foundation for potential future apprenticeship and trade pathways.
Kristy Allison, Employment Services Manager, Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation said the outcomes demonstrated the value of combining culturally appropriate work readiness support with genuine employment opportunities.
“We are incredibly proud of all seven women and the commitment and determination they have shown. Sisters in Maintenance has provided a culturally supportive environment where participants could build their confidence and skills while connecting them with genuine employment opportunities.”
Brenden Pool, Maintenance Manager, Iron Bridge Operations said the outcomes demonstrated the impact that strong partnerships can have in creating sustainable employment pathways.
“Sisters in Maintenance is about creating genuine opportunities for Indigenous women to build long-term careers in our industry. Seeing these women grow in confidence, develop new skills and progress into employment is an outcome we are incredibly proud to support alongside our partners.”
Graduate Ava Watkins said the program had helped her see new possibilities for her future.
“The Sisters in Maintenance Program has given me the confidence to believe in myself and pursue a career I’m proud of. It’s opened the door to new opportunities, helping me build not only valuable skills in the mining industry, but also meaningful bonds that will last a lifetime.”
Through Sisters in Maintenance, the partners are supporting greater participation of Indigenous women in the resources sector while creating employment pathways that can deliver lasting benefits for participants, their families and communities across the Pilbara.
