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Mining experience for future generation
by Danny Lester 3 October 2013
N
ational, not-for-profit employment organisation, the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES), has announced the success of a trialled mining tour for Aboriginal students which was conducted in partnership with NSW Mining and Coal & Allied. The visit was designed to provide Aboriginal students with an opportunity to experience what life is like as an employee of a mining company. In partnership with NSW Mining and Coal & Allied, the AES designed the two day hands on program conducted on 24 and 25 September to support the most recent agreement between the NSW State Government and the NSW Minerals Council, aimed at increasing engagement and placement of Aboriginal people within the mining industry. “This two day ‘real life’ site familiarisation has meaningfully engaged young Aboriginal people to better understand the mining
operation, the breath of career opportunities and the rigours of the mining industry” said Cate Sims, Coal & Allied Aboriginal Relations Specialist. “This initiative is highly complementary to our Aboriginal Employment Strategy and a range of existing initiatives and partnerships across our business and local communities. As such, we are very happy to be the first to support the visit” said Ms Sims. According to AES CEO, Danny Lester, our future generation is important and critical towards achieving careers for Aboriginal youth. “Our level of expectation has been exceeded from this visit, several participants are now considering a renewed vision for their career paths and all of the participants have a better understanding of the variety of occupations and careers within the Mining industry, it is not just about digging holes.” said Mr Lester. “One of the participants Kayla, said that prior to the program her career pathway “was focused
towards operating a child care centre”, now Kayla is considering a career within the mining industry”, said Mr Lester. “Experiential programs are the key to educate our next generation and enable them to make informed decisions about their career opportunities and pathways, ” Mr Lester added. Now in its sixteenth year, the AES has managed the placement of more than 11,000 Indigenous Australians into careers, many of whom have gone on to work with some of Australia’s largest corporations in banking, finance, retail, hospitality and other sectors.  Some of AES existing Corporate Partners include: Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, Telstra, Nine Entertainment, Kmart Tyre and Auto Service, Coles Co, Housing NSW Westfield, Intercontinental Hotels Group. If you would like to know more about the work of the AES and the opportunities available please visit www.aes.org.au
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