Western Downs Traineeship Program
Western Downs Indigenous Traineeship Program 2020 - 2021:
As the Senior Indigenous Mentor, I was involved in a paid work experience traineeship/Apprenticeship program for enthusiastic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from regional Queensland. The trainees studied a Cert 3 Workplace Health and Safety, and worked alongside tradespeople in up to four trades:
- Electrical
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing
- Process Operations
Each trainee received:
- Experience in a world-class organisation with first-class facilities
- On-the-job training and support by highly skilled technicians at host employers
- Round-the-clock support from a dedicated Indigenous mentor
- A structured training program addressing key fundamentals to enter the natural gas sector
- A solid foundation to build a successful career in a global industry
We all know that successful mentoring involves sharing common goals and a commitment to building the mentoring partnership as well as mutual trust and respect.
I help create that level of trust and support for the trainees and employees. We ensured regular mentoring sessions were conducted on both an individual and team level, increasing the retention of employees.
Mentoring the WHS Trainee I was able to provide additional support and guidance in their personal journey and ongoing professional development. Whilst providing mentoring I was able to identify the cultural need to help address barriers to work for the Indigenous trainees faced. Some of the issues were stemming from mental health, systemic trauma, domestic violence, generational displacement, lack of family support, and other challenges. I worked with Traditional Owner Groups, Indigenous Health Services, Employment services, and other key stakeholders like Chinchilla Community Centre to help prepare the trainees with the opportunity of Indigenous Employment.
By me being able to create these partnerships we will help address issues to employment for Indigenous Trainees to help kickstart their career in the natural gas sector with the possibility of an apprenticeship or traineeship. Being involved in the Western Downs Indigenous Traineeship program for 2 years I was able to have a 100% success rate on retention with all trainees and apprentices securing further employment in the natural gas sector and other fields.
Renewables
Intura Pty Ltd (www.intura.com.au) is a locally owned and operated integrated service provider, delivering cost effective Fit-for-Future solutions for Clients – Mandana provides: - Workforce Mentoring at both sites: -
- Sterling & Wilson/Western Downs Green Power Hub, numerous ongoing services
- GCo/Western Downs Green Power Hub provision of Electricians, Operators, Electrical Trades Assistants, and Trades Assistants
Intura employs approximately 340 employees through the renewable sector in the construction of the Western Downs Solar Farm and Columboola Solar Farms. It currently has 34 Indigenous employees where Mandana Pty Ltd provides additional support and guidance through Mentoring services.
MANDANA mentoring process for solar farm workers provides:
- Mentoring on and off the job.
- Assist pre-start meetings addressing lateness, cultural protocols, no-shows, or any performance-related issues with trainees.
For the EMPLOYER we will provide:
- On-site cultural awareness training for staff and teams with the common goal of building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities.
- Advice and guidance on building a culturally responsive and safe workplace.
- designed a mentoring program that builds stronger cultural connections and improves diversity in both your workplace and your Indigenous Staff plus the local Indigenous community.
- Assist pre-start meetings addressing lateness, cultural protocols, no-shows, or any performance-related issues with trainees
The secret to ensuring sustainable outcomes for the Indigenous Employees on the Solar Farms is to have a cross-culture approach delivered through our dedicated mentors and selection of like-minded Host partners. We will be a sounding board for the Indigenous workers for their career options, reflection, and personal development whilst providing deep care for our client.