Monadelphous' School-Based Traineeship Program at Port Hedland is making significant strides in shaping the future of young talent in the region.
Launched in 2020, the program initially focused on trade-based roles, but it has since expanded to include administration trainees, offering a broader range of opportunities for local students.
Over the past four years, the program has welcomed ten students, each provided with a personal toolkit to foster independence in their roles.
This hands-on approach is designed to help students develop practical skills early in their careers.
Dean Marlow, Project Manager at Port Hedland, highlights the collaborative effort behind the program.
“The program has been supported by a number of key personnel, including the area manager, project manager, workshop manager, and various supervisors and tradespeople within the local Port Hedland branch," Dean shared.
A key feature of the program is its partnership with Hedland Senior High School, BHP, and Monadelphous on the Blue Tree initiative.
This year’s trainees are involved in designing, fabricating, and constructing a blue tree to support mental health awareness—a project that sharpens their technical skills and contributes to a vital cause.
The program has already achieved impressive outcomes, with two former trainees advancing their careers with Monadelphous.
“We have taken two Apprentices out of the program,” Dean said.
“One is now in his third year and has been qualified as a coded welder, while the other is a first-year apprentice, both completing boilermaker welder apprenticeships.”
Behind the scenes, the program is supported by a dedicated team of staff who play crucial roles in mentoring and guiding the students. The involvement of experienced professionals ensures that trainees receive the support they need to succeed.
The program's benefits extend beyond the trainees themselves. For the industry, it provides access to a pool of pre-skilled and immediately productive young workers, helping to meet the demand for skilled labour. For students, the program offers a direct link between their education and the workplace, helping them develop core skills and decide if a particular industry or job is right for them.
Through real-world experience and industry collaboration, the School-Based Traineeship Program is helping students gain invaluable skills while preparing them for their future careers.