2022 SATA Industry Collaboration Finalists

When BHP reviewed the Olympic Dam induction training program, they identified a need to create closer alignment of skills training to their workforce plans, improve the work readiness of their apprentices, and implement a ‘train to retain’ model. However, their requirements were not met by existing programs and many organisations were unable to fulfill their unique training needs.

BHP’s operating context and location at Olympic Dam site presented specific challenges to program development. BHP wanted apprentices to be team players, able to communicate effectively across teams and confident to discuss safety issues as well as have significant work-related skills. They preferred apprentices to be trained on-site to minimise disruption to attend trade school. Finally, they wanted the program to work for apprentices from five different trades.

In 2020-21, PEER and BHP leveraged their trusted relationship to push the boundaries of standard practice of training and skills development and design by implementing the Olympic Dam Apprenticeship Induction Program.

PEER used a human centred design process and worked closely with the Asset Training team to meet all requirements. PEER incorporated a combination of accredited and unaccredited training with content contextualised to BHP’s operations, including BHP policies and procedures and a strong focus on safety.

PEER tailored the training for BHP’s needs and flexibility with sequencing so BHP could move sessions to meet operating requirements. Training mirrored the mine operation’s schedule of 12-hour shifts, seven-days on and seven-off, leading to work ready apprentices, who fit into the normal Olympic Dam operational routine.

DXC Technology employs over 1200 people in South Australia who are committed to using the power of technology to build better futures for their customers, colleagues, environment, and communities.

In a first for South Australia, DXC Technology and TAFE SA co-designed a digital traineeship program enabling students to learn advanced IT skills in the classroom while applying those skills in a real-world environment at DXC Technology. An industry placement program has also been established between DXC Technology and TAFE SA to provide students with invaluable on the job experience. Successful participants are either offered employment at DXC or a traineeship position.

The partnership between DXC Technology and TAFE SA provides a highly skilled and adaptive workforce whilst simultaneously providing an overall benefit to South Australia. It enables all South Australians from a diverse variety of backgrounds to take the first steps towards a career in the ICT industry. DXC Technology can upskill people rapidly to support customer needs within evolving technology landscapes, whilst building a pipeline of South Australian based talent. DXC have had a high conversion rate with participants gaining full time employment with DXC and partner organisations. For TAFE SA, this enables the course curriculum to continuously evolve ensuring industry relevance, increased intake and completion rates. For DXC, TAFE SA and the South Australian community, this program brings new people into the STEM space who hadn’t previously considered it.

Roads2Civil is an industry-led school-based pre-apprenticeship program by Civil Contractors Federation South Australia (CCF SA), creating a pathway and guaranteed opportunity to become a civil apprentice.

Roads2Civil is a collaborative innovation between industry, employers and education, creating a “new norm” where career pathways into non-traditional, yet critical trades are resolved like never before. A new model which delivers replicable results, providing sustainable positives in the form of apprenticeships on an ongoing basis.

The employer partner is Civil Apprenticeship and Careers (CACL), the only Civil Industry led GTO in South Australia. Partnering with Civil Train SA helps deliver the accredited training and employability skills to students.

Extended partners drive the project and come together to produce a partnership program that offers practical real-life experience on a live work site, whilst providing the local council of Port Adelaide Enfield with upgrades of new community play spaces and school grounds beautification. Renewal SA are also a key partner, supporting many elements in the project. Western Technical College and Henley High School also enable the exposure and support within the project for all students.

Civil Contractors Federation South Australia and CITB are the conduit to industry, ensuring the $10-billion-dollar infrastructure investment from South Australian Government is a key focus, creating sustainable careers in the sector and a new, young workforce to pave the way.