Glencore’s Indigenous Pathways Program ambassador Scott Prince inspiring future careers
Ex-NRL Australian back and Queensland State Of Origin representative is inspiring future career paths in NSW Indigenous Pathways Program.
Newcastle
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He’s a former NRL star that is all about creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for indigenous men and women in their future career paths.
Ex-Australian back and Queensland State Of Origin representative Scott Prince — who now works as a community facilitator for the Brisbane Broncos — is an inspiring mentor to both the young and young at heart.
As an ambassador for mining giant Glencore’s NSW Indigenous Pathways Program he has shared his experiences to hopefully see participants thrive in their future career goals.
“Some of our mob haven’t had the education, but it’s not about that, they are looking for committed workers who are willing to go over and above what’s required,” he said.
“The aim is to transfer that training and completing that program and getting into full time work.”
Broken into two phases over 26-weeks, the initiative includes the completion of inductions, medicals, life-skills, leadership training and on-site work experience and creates job opportunities.
A proud Kalkadoon indigenous man, Mr Prince grew up in Mount Isa in Queensland, in similar mining towns to the Upper Hunter and his father was a miner.
The program a definite right fit.
“It has that synergy and I’m happy to be involved,” he said.
He helped to nurture one of the youngest of the 13 participants of the program, 21-year-old Stephanie Hampton, who recently completed the program.
Living in Singleton, she has aspirations of one day becoming a plant mechanic and going to University to study mechanical engineering.
“I went in not knowing anything mechanical, I couldn’t tell you what a dozer did, and through the 14 weeks I assisted on many services in the workshop and many defects and breakdowns in pit,” she said.
“It was nerve wracking first couple of weeks being the only female in that department on that site, but I was bought up not to let anyone push me over and I could fit in anywhere.
“I did the job as well as the apprentices and the fitters taught me a lot.”
In her first 12 weeks it was life skills in the classroom learning how to budget and writing a resume before heading out into the field at United Wambo.
It’s been a tough path trying to secure work in the mining industry but this has given her the kick start she needed, currently employed in administration at Mount Arthur Coal, a stepping stone into her future aspirations.
“I’ve been applying for the past three years to get into the mining industry and haven’t been successful until this program, it has been a massive help and benefit. It’s a great opportunity.”
Another graduate, 47-year-old Sonya Naylor moved from the far-south coast as a culture and heritage project officer at local councils, to look for a career change in the mining industry.
She stumbled across the pathways program, and after being accepted, hasn’t looked back.
“Training at the mine rescue site in Singleton for 12 weeks and work experience at Liddell Coal . I enjoyed my time there and got to see all aspects of mining what it’s all about,” she said.
“Also certificate two in surface extraction operations, communication in the workplace, first aid, respond to emergencies, risk control, site based skills.”
Although, her passion is the environmental side of mining.
“I was really impressed with Mangoola’s rehabilitation when we went to check that site out,” she added.
Seven of the 13 graduates secured work, while others are on the look-out for opportunities and being supported through WorkPac and other labour hire providers.
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