The Australian Technical College is due to start operating next year with an initial intake of around 100 students.

Backed by the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association in strong partnership with the local resources industry, the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy, the Australian Government and the WA Government, the college will provide greater training opportunities in the Pilbara region for young people, particularly those from local indigenous families.

Students are offered a School Apprenticeship Link Program in Year 11, before starting an apprenticeship in Year 12.

Graduating trainees looking to continue to live in the Pilbara will be well placed to enter the local resources industry and find work within their own community, according to APPEA.

“This is particularly important for indigenous residents keen to be involved longer term with a company operating in the Pilbara and preferably, throughout the whole of a project’s life,” APPEA said.

“A key attraction within the college will be its ability to offer relevant and hands-on learning in a real work environment as opposed to academic classroom activity, which can be less motivating.”