Downer Simulator visit to Port Hedland
One of Downer EDI Mining’s mining-equipment operator-training simulators was in town this week visiting two Pilbara High Schools in support of the Australian Employment Covenant (AEC).
The training simulator provides a “virtual reality” environment in which people can experience what it is like to operate mining equipment, such as haul trucks and excavators, with no risk of being injured or damaging the equipment.
The Pilbara region (and specifically Karratha Senior High School and Hedland Senior High School) have been targeted by the AEC as a pilot region for ITS P Plate program – a program being introduced into schools in 2010 to engage students in career development and job training, so that when they leave school they are in the best possible position to enter the workforce.
Both the AEC and Downer EDI are hoping that the simulator will arouse the interest of Indigenous people, in particular students, in the mining industry and encourage them to continue their studies in preparation for entering the workforce, as well as attracting students to join the P Plate program in 2010.
On 30 October 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Andrew Forrest and Australian business leaders signed a historic agreement – the AEC – to work together to break the cycle of unemployment and poverty amongst Indigenous Australians.
The three-way agreement between the Australian Government, employers and Indigenous people aims specifically to secure 50,000 sustainable jobs for Indigenous Australians.
The training required for these positions will be tailored to employer specifications and, to ensure that each new worker is given every opportunity to succeed in their new job, there will be a one-on-one workplace mentor.