Building a safe future for young workers.

Fifty-three first-year apprentices are now skilled and ready for the next phase of their apprenticeships after completing the Zeal Futures Work Readiness Program.

The Work Readiness Program (WRP) is designed to provide new workers employed in high-risk industries with core safety and trade skills prior to commencing on site.

With young workers considered more at risk of injury or illness at work due largely to their limited experience and understanding of work, health, and safety, the WRP provides students with little to no industry experience the opportunity to learn new skills, confidence, and safety preparedness in a safe and simulated workshop environment.

This year’s WRP cohort consists of first-year electrical and mechanical apprentices from Glencore, HVO, and Malabar Coal, along with Zeal Futures apprentices hosted by Origin Energy and Centennial.

This week, the apprentices delivered their final presentations to their employers and trainers, summarising their learnings and skills acquired throughout the last six months of training. A presentation ceremony was also held to recognise the high achievers from the program, including Lorissa Stevens, a mechanical fitter apprentice hosted by Origin Energy.

Lorissa, the Most Improved award winner, is now looking forward to getting on site and learning new skills, working with different trades, and getting exposure to different parts of the plant.

“By participating in the Work Readiness Program over the last six months, it has given us the skills and knowledge to go and perform our duties on site safely,” she said.

Zeal Futures Learning General Manager, Debbie Laarkamp, congratulated the 2024 cohort on their successful completion of the program, which was developed to meet the needs of some of the region’s biggest industries.

“The WRP was first established in 2007 in collaboration with Glencore Mining. Glencore's endorsement of over 1,060 apprentices through the program, with an average completion rate of more than 90%, highlights its positive impact on workforce development,” she said.

“In 2014, the program was expanded to several other mining companies to meet the challenges the industry was facing in bringing inexperienced young apprentices onto high-risk mining sites. These industries can be very daunting for someone entering the workforce for the very first time.

“The WRP helps ease the transition from school to work, through accelerated skills development, and project-based training that fosters collaboration and teamwork among students, along with time management and prioritising workflows; all of which are skills they’ll need in their role as an apprentice and qualified tradesperson down the track.

“We’re proud to collaborate with these organisations to meet their workforce safety and skills needs while also giving apprentices the tools and support they need to thrive in their chosen careers.”

Since its inception, the WRP has continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the industry, with 2024 enrolments increasing by a further 22% from 2023, and an overall increase of 40% since 2020. The WRP also maintains a consistent 10% participation rate from female cohorts.

As part of the program, apprentices attend training at Zeal Futures’ purpose-built Skills Centre in Rutherford full time for 4 days a week. The program focuses on cross-skilling participants through electrical, mechanical, and fabrication skills, trade projects, the Mines Induction Program, and WorkCover accredited courses like Apply First Aid, Elevated Work Platform, and Forklift Operation to enhance employability and safety competence.

The Better Living Program also provides life skills like Driver Safety Awareness, Financial Management, Public Speaking, and Fatigue Management to enhance the overall apprentice experience.

“The success of the WRP has led to the establishment of similar programs for Glencore's Mudgee and Emerald-based apprentices in collaboration with other training institutes,” Mrs Laarkamp said.

“These programs emulate the high standards set by our initiative, showcasing its potential for replication across industries or trades.

“The WRP is a success story that is building the foundations for safe and successful long-term trade careers. I look forward to seeing it continue to evolve to meet the skills needs and demands of the future.”