Glencore Coal provides pathway to employment for First Nations Australians
Media statement
Singleton, Australia
Glencore Coal has announced applications are now open for the 2026 First Nations Pathways Program (FNPP).
Commencing in May 2026, the FNPP is a 26-week paid education and training initiative developed to empower First Nation Australians with ties to the land near Glencore Coal’s Queensland and NSW operations.
Carrie Bendeich, the FNPP Coordinator, emphasised that the program provides a unique opportunity for First Nations Australians to become job-ready for careers in the resources sector.
“Across our Australian business, we aim to foster meaningful relationships built on respect and trust with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” said Carrie.
“Now in its eighth year, the FNPP continues to deliver life-changing outcomes, with many graduates securing ongoing employment by the end of the program. That success has also come full circle, with some former participants returning as mentors for new FNPP cohorts.”
“The program equips participants with practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications, enabling them to step confidently into employment and build sustainable careers.”
“Every year we look forward to meeting keen applicants who are ready to build a career path, and achieve their goals, to set themselves up for the future.”
Successful applicants will participate in the 26-week training and work experience program, which is delivered in two phases across Glencore Coal operations in the Queensland Bowen Basin, and the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
At the completion of the program, participants will have fulfilled the requirements to obtain a Certificate II Surface Extraction Operations, as well as gain important employment skills and practical industry experience.
Applications are open now and will close on Friday 20 February 2026.
Further information about the program and the application process can be found on the First Nations Pathways Program webpage.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Smith
m: +61 497 504 420
e: Jessica Smith
Laura Reilly
m: +61 419 949 254
e: Laura Reilly
Notes for editors
About Glencore Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead and silver from 20 active mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including concentrators, smelters 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 17,420 people in Australia and in 2024 contributed almost $19.6 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $13.5 billion with 6,810 businesses, as well as $3.6 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.
We will support the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through our efforts to decarbonise our own operational footprint. We believe that we should take a holistic approach and have considered our commitment through the lens of our global industrial emissions. For more information see our 2024-2026 Climate Action Transition Plan.
Learn more about Glencore Australia.