Glencore Coal announces new pathway to employment for First Nation Australians
Media statement
Singleton, Australia
Glencore Coal is pleased to announce that applications are open for the 2024 First Nations Pathways Program (FNPP).
Commencing in April, the FNPP is a 26-week education to employment program which aims to provide employment opportunities for First Nation Australians with connections to the land near Glencore Coal operations.
Now in its sixth year, the program has a proven record of success with all sixteen of the 2023 FNPP graduates finding fulltime employment by the end of the program.
Natalie Anderson, NSW Pathways Coordinator for Glencore Coal said the program offers participants the chance to develop essential skills, job readiness and provide means toward employment opportunities in roles they may have never previously considered.
“The success of the program speaks for itself,” Natalie said.
“The FNPP offers participants the chance to learn essential job skills and gain paid work experience at the same time.”
Michael Piper, a 2023 FNPP graduate said the program has changed the direction of his life.
“When I got the call that I’d been accepted into the program, I was over the moon. It was up there with one of the best days of my life,” Michael said.
“The program has given me peace of mind. Stability is the biggest thing in my life, and I’ve got that now.”
“If you’re wanting to apply for the 2024 program, my advice would be to do it. Even if you’re not confident, you’ll meet people and they’ll back you, you’ll gain the skills.”
“This program is not just about mining; it can open up so many doors, the opportunities are endless.”
Successful 2024 applicants will participate in the 26-week training and work experience program, which is delivered in two phases across Glencore Coal operations in the NSW Upper Hunter Valley, and Queensland Bowen Basin.
At the completion of the program, participants will have fulfilled the requirements to obtain a Certificate II in Surface Extraction, as well as gain important employment ready skills.
Applications for the program are now open and will close on 29 February 2024.
Learn more about the First Nations Pathways Program and application process on our website.
For further information, please contact:
Elise Pfeiffer
m: +61 408 095 530
e: Elise Pfeiffer
Jessica Smith
m: +61 497 504 420
e: Jessica Smith
Notes for editors
About Glencore Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead and silver from 23 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including metals smelters, concentrators and refineries.
We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
We employ 18,190 people in Australia and in 2022 contributed nearly $20 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $10.4 billion with 7,370 businesses across the country, as well as $7.5 billion in government tax and royalty payments.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.
Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.
Learn more about Glencore Australia.