Apprenticeships and traineeships in Western Australia’s Goldfields region will receive a boost following BHP’s contribution of $5 million to the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD).
The investment will support 35 new apprentices and trainees through the WA Government’s Group Training Organisation (GTO) Wage Subsidy Program, which was first launched in 2022.
BHP vice president Western Australian Nickel Annabelle Blom said the funding will help address labour shortages while supporting communities across the Goldfields.
“When we support local training and provide opportunities, we’re not just helping individuals; we’re building capability and strengthening the whole community,” she said.
“By backing the next generation of local tradespeople through this program, we can tackle skilled labour shortages and help ensure the industry has the right skills it needs to grow and thrive.
“It’s also about keeping talent in the region by giving people local to the Goldfields the chance to learn, work and grow their careers close to home.”
The Wage Subsidy Program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses by making it easier and more affordable to take on apprentices and trainees through GTOs.
WA Minister for Skills and TAFE Amber-Jade Sanderson welcomed BHP’s support, noting it complements the State Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce development.
“Ongoing investment in apprenticeships and traineeships is vital to ensure we have a pipeline of workers to meet the workforce demand created by our growing economy,” she said.
“The Group Training Organisation Wage Subsidy Program assists employers to take on apprentices and trainees, with the Cook Government investing $134.6 million in the scheme since 2022.
“BHP’s contribution to the Department of Training and Workforce Development is a welcome investment that will boost the availability of skilled workers for the Goldfields.”
The funding will cover the full duration of a four-year apprenticeship and DTWD will independently administer in collaboration with participating GTOs.
The initiative adds to BHP’s broader commitment to the region. In late 2024, the company launched the $20 million WA Nickel Community Fund to support Goldfields communities during the temporary suspension of its Western Australia nickel operations.
Want to connect with the mining industry, register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
