BHP, PEER eye long haul SA training partnership

BHP and new SA training partner PEER have started the groundwork on building a talent pipeline for the mining giant through their first apprenticeship placement.

BHP’s Olympic Dam asset president Jennifer Purdie with apprentice Leena Corley and PEER chief executive Picture. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Training organisation PEER’s early groundwork on building the next-generation of BHP’s talent pipeline has begun with Yamatji woman Leena Corley securing a 12-month apprenticeship with the mining giant.

Ms Corley joined the business in March as the first Certificate III in Business

Trainee for BHP Olympic Dam after completing Year 12 studies at the Prescott College Southern in Morphett Vale.

“I have always wanted to work for BHP, but this is also about my passion to encourage other young Aboriginal women and inspire them,” Ms Corley said.

PEER was recently contracted as a training provider for BHP in SA.

The non-profit industry-based organisation delivering accredited apprenticeship and skills recognition training, pre-vocational training and VET training in schools and the construction industry.

PEER chief executive Peter Nolan said it was an exciting time for the organisation as demand for its quality training solutions continues to grow.

“PEER is partnering with BHP to provide a customised workforce solution through traineeships and apprenticeships,” Mr Nolan said.

“It is a great achievement for PEER to be recognised by the largest company in Australia as leading in traineeships and apprenticeships.

“Already we are growing this relationship and exploring new opportunities that will benefit BHP and South Australian workers,” he said.

In recent months, BHP has reinforced its commitment to national training initiatives.

Last month, it announced a $30m Future of Work ­program, to subsidise student fees for up to 1000 regional Australians, with the Federal government covering Commonwealth contributions.

BHP, which employs 45,000 staff nationally and injects more than $33bn into the economy, last year committed $800m over five years to fund 3500 apprenticeship and training positions and support growth in the emerging mining, equipment, technology and services sector.

BHP Olympic Dam asset president Jennifer Purdie said the group wants to establish pathways into the company and industry for people who may not have previously considered a career in mining.

“Investing in sustainable entry level positions creates a pipeline of future talent in highly skilled roles, in an industry that delivers essential products and keeps the South Australian economy strong,” Ms Purdie said of the SA program.

Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni said an apprenticeship was a “great opportunity” to learn real skills in the workplace, earn a nationally-recognised qualification and be paid a wage while you learn.