Glencore Pathways Program empowering First Nations jobseekers
Media statement
Bulga, Australia
Eighteen participants from across New South Wales and Queensland have celebrated their graduation from this year’s Glencore First Nations Pathways Program (FNPP).
This milestone marks another successful year of the program, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in, or connected to, Glencore Coal communities to build job-readiness skills and pursue long-term career opportunities.
Delivered over twenty-six weeks, the FNPP includes twelve weeks of classroom learning and civil training, followed by fourteen weeks of on-site employment experience. The program combines education, practical experience and mentoring to prepare participants for long term employment or future study.
Of this year’s eighteen graduates, fifteen have already secured employment — a result that reflects not just their hard work, but the program’s focus on practical experience and personal growth.
Carrie Bendeich, Glencore Coordinator First Nations Programs, said the program plays an important role in building skills, education and confidence for participants.
“Our program is tailored to provide participants with the skills needed for employment and to motivate them to define their career goals,” Carrie said.
“The success of our graduates extends beyond their individual achievements. It inspires their friends, families, and community. We hope the program can continue to help increase community engagement and inspire more individuals to pursue their own career pathways, especially in regional areas where employment opportunities are crucial.”
Beyonce Murphy Quakawoot, a 2025 FNPP graduate used the skills she developed in the program to secure ongoing employment at Glencore’s Collinsville site.
“I’ve absolutely loved my experience during Phase two - it’s an amazing program to be a part of, and it has been a great experience with great people,” Beyonce said.
“Thanks to the support of Glencore and the program, I’m on my way to establishing a career in the mining industry.”
Jed Edgar-Jones, a 2025 FNPP graduate used the skills he developed in the program to successfully apply for the 2026 Glencore Apprenticeship Program.
“Next year I’ll begin a four-year electrical apprenticeship with Glencore,” Jed said.
“Without the First Nations Pathways Program, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply. I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’d encourage anyone to apply as it sets you up for success.”
Throughout the twenty-six-week program, participants complete a Certificate II in Surface Extraction, along with life skills, leadership and safety training. The experience provides exposure to a range of potential careers — from operators and trades assistants to warehouse, bench-hands, and admin support roles.
Several former FNPP graduates also returned for the 2025 celebration, sharing their stories and career journeys since completing the program. Many have continued their careers with Glencore or moved into roles across the wider industry.
“It’s wonderful to see former graduates come back and support the new cohort,” Carrie said.
“We get to follow their journeys and watch their careers develop in the months and years ahead, and it’s a privilege to watch their journeys unfold.”
Applications for the 2026 First Nations Pathways Program will open in early 2026.
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.