After the success of the pilot Driller’s Offsider Job Ready Program, the Western Australian Government is continuing to expand the program and encouraging more people to join the pre-employment pathway to the resource sector.
The pilot Driller’s Offsider Job Ready Program, which is the first program of its kind in Australia, is among a suite of new skill sets developed in collaboration with Western Australian industries such as the Reference Group, to deliver short and sharp training for job seekers and young people, enabling them to upskill or reskill in industries with a need for skilled workers.
Participants are provided with skills to work safely on site, apply first aid and CPR, work safely at heights and operate and maintain a four-wheel drive vehicle.
On completion of the course, which includes four nationally accredited and recognised units, students are connected with opportunities to transition into employment, undertake a traineeship with a participating employer or further their training to gain a drilling operations qualification.
Thirteen Western Australians have commenced the Driller’s Offsider Job Ready Program since it began in April 2022. Industry feedback on the program has been very positive so far and its first seven graduates were immediately connected with drilling companies. Two have already secured employment.
Western Australian Education and Training Minister, Sue Ellery, met with the second cohort of Job Ready Program participants who are training to help meet the strong demand for Driller’s Offsiders in the resources sector.
Ms Ellery said the state’s resource sector is experiencing strong demand for skilled drillers and offsiders.
“Our new Driller’s Offsider Job Ready initiative is already proving successful, with both industry and participants providing extremely positive early feedback,” Ms Ellery said.
“Through strong industry involvement, the first cohort of students to complete the program have been connected with participating employers.
“Providing the training to jobseekers, young people and concession-eligible students for free, and to non-concession students for low fees, ensures all who want to take up an opportunity in this important industry are supported and encouraged to do so.
“This program provides opportunities for a pathway into employment, a traineeship or a full drilling qualification.”
Following the success of its first two rounds, the program is preparing for its third intake of participants, with applications now open for commencement in August 2022.
The training is free for all job seekers, young people, and concession-eligible students, and low-fee for non-concession students.
The Reference Group is partnering with the Government to develop and oversee the program, which combines a short course and one-day induction delivered by industry.
The State Government’s hugely successful ‘Lower fees, local skills’ initiative has significantly reduced fees for 210 courses, including Drilling Operations and a range of other mining qualifications.
Interested people can register their interest in the Driller’s Offsider Job Ready program on the Jobs and Skills Western Australia website here or contact the Job Ready team on (08) 6551 5049 or DrillersOffsider@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
More information about Lower fees, local skills is available here.
