Glittering graduation night for Whyalla apprentices

Celebration for first-year milestone

1 August 2023

An important training milestone was recognised in Whyalla, South Australia, during July with the graduation of 14 first-year apprentices from the Apprentice Professional Development Program.

The mechanical and electrical apprentices from the LIBERTY Primary Steel (Whyalla Steelworks) and SIMEC Mining (iron ore) operations were graduating from the program designed for those who have entered the workforce for the first time.

Facilitated by Youth Opportunities, and now in its fourth year, the six-month course is run in conjunction with the GFG Alliance career-based Pipeline Program and designed to prepare apprentices for their future as key workforce contributors and community members.

“To see these young people completing these programs and then presenting to their peers, family and friends is truly inspiring”

Clinton Gill – Executive General Manager Human Resources LPMA

Head of Organisational Development Mining and Primary Steel and Pipeline Program Co-ordinator, Bianca Standing said the graduation was an important component of the apprenticeship program.

“The graduation provides an opportunity for the apprentices to reflect on their development and showcase their learnings over the duration of the program,” Bianca said.

“Seeing the development in these apprentices since their onboarding is amazing.

“Some of these young people were so shy when they started but now they are up there presenting to an audience … it is wonderful to see the development and see them believing in themselves.”

Along with many other business unit leaders, SIMEC Mining Iron Ore Executive General Manager Jacqui Higgins was on hand for the special event on July 13 to present the apprentices with their graduation certificates.

Executive General Manager Human Resources LPMA and Talent Acquisition, Clinton Gill thanked Jacqui, all the leaders present and Bianca and her team for another successful program.

“While it may seem like a small step in a career journey, it is important we provide these development opportunities to a new generation joining the workforce,” Clint said.

“To see these young people completing these programs and then presenting to their peers, family and friends is truly inspiring.

“Thank you to the leaders that attended and made it an even more special night for these apprentices who, in many cases, represent our future leaders.”

The Apprentice Professional Development Program is in addition to the apprentices’ trade discipline technical development as a component to develop positive mindset, focussing on soft skill development including:

• Personal brand
• Positive self-talk
• Problem solving and goal setting
• Positive communication – ‘sending stars’
• Dealing with adversity and building resilience
• Time and budget management