Indigenous Wharf Traineeship launch success
An idea born out of curiosity, the Woodside Training Academy is seeing success with its Indigenous Wharf Operator Traineeship.
Last year, Indigenous Development Coach Josh was watching Woodside wharf workers at our King Bay Supply Facility. He says he was intrigued by the skill of the crane operators, riggers and doggers.
"I remember thinking this is an intriguing area where they load and unload supply ships, I wonder how many trainees have come through here? I soon found out, there's never been a trainee there, so I thought it could be a great opportunity to give back to the community."
Josh discussed the idea of a Traditional Owner pathway program to support an Indigenous Wharf Traineeship with our training partner Programmed Training Services and the KBSF Asset Manager and Wharf Manager.
Woodside and Programmed developed a structure for a traineeship, including competencies for onsite training and TAFE modules.
This structure developed into an opportunity to offer a two-year Indigenous Wharf Operator traineeship that includes forklift operation, unloading and loading offshore supply ships, 200 tonne crane operation, and rigging and dogging activities.
The Programmed and KBSF teams, along with Josh, held an information session for the proposed traineeship over two days in Karratha, which attracted around 40 Indigenous people.
One of those attendees was Traditional Owner, Owen, from Karratha. Owen applied for the role, was successful and became Woodside's first KBSF Wharf Operator Trainee.
“I saw the job advertised on Facebook and I had a couple of friends send it to me, so I applied. And it’s been great. I’m two months in and I’ve been getting plenty of support all round from everyone and I’ve been learning so much.”
And Josh says the team down at the wharf are already very impressed with Owen.
"We did a visit with his supervisor and checked in on him and the crew loved him. Forklift drivers who've been there for 20 years, say he's made for it and love his enthusiasm," said Josh.
This year, the Woodside Training Academy is hosting 38 new recruits of which 55% are Indigenous and 39% are female. Of the new recruits, 17 are local school leavers and 10 recruits are from the Karratha area.
But it was determination and strong collaboration that turned Josh's idea, born out of curiosity, into a story of success.
"This Wharf Operator traineeship is so good for Woodside. It's another avenue for local employment reach and for pathways programs and it gives back to our Traditional Owner community. It also strengthens and galvanises our connection with stakeholders and contributes to our commitment to community," said Josh.
