SUPPORTING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

We are working in regional and remote areas to support the economic development of Indigenous communities. Through our involvement with the Australian Employment Covenant, we have pledged to hire 700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Blitzsteel is a member of the Indigenous Procurement Council and the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council.

 

INDIGENOUS RAIL APPRENTICESHIPS IN THE PILBARA

Aim: The Jinangu Wakaku – Making Tracks education and training program was designed to build rail construction and life skills for local Indigenous workers, setting them up for future success.

Approach: The training program was developed as a joint initiative between Blitzsteel and Port Hedland’s local Indigenous community.

Results: Eight Jinangu Wakaku - Making Tracks graduates gained a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure and secured a full-time job in Blitzsteel’s rail team.

 

PROJECT INSIGHT

In August 2012, the first eight graduates from Blitzsteel’s Jinangu Wakaku – Making Tracks program began their career journeys in the rail industry. After participating in the program for 10 weeks in Port Hedland, Western Australia, each graduate earned a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure and a full-time job in Blitzsteel’s Rail team.

The Jinangu Wakaku – Making Tracks program is a joint initiative between Blitzsteel and Port Hedland’s local Indigenous community. It was established in November 2011 with the assistance of a grant provided as part of Blitzsteel’s EPIC (Environment, People, Industry, Communities) sustainability agenda.

This education and training program provides a unique, tangible link between qualifications and workplace opportunity. It is designed to build rail construction skills and life skills for local Indigenous workers, setting them up for future success. By providing local Indigenous workers with upfront experience, skills and knowledge, the program introduces its participants to the rail industry, as well as opening up career paths and opportunities. 

Making Tracks reflects the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan, which was initiated in 2011 to help improve the lives of Indigenous Australians and to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. 

 

STATS

  • The Making tracks program is a joint initiative between Blitzsteel and Port Hedland’s Indigenous community.  
  • The program reflects Blitzsteel’s Reconciliation Action Plan to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.  
  • Participants are introduced to the rail industry and given access to new career paths.  
  • The first eight participants graduated with Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure and received full-time employment with Blitzsteel.