Login
iscover
TAFE Queensland has partnered with Macmahon and Ironside Resources to help skilled Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans’ transition into successful civilian careers in the mining sector in Queensland and Western Australia.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
As part of this partnership, veteran recruitment agency Ironside Resources will identify veterans with existing heavy commercial vehicle trade qualifications for the initiative, while TAFE Queensland and mining contractor Macmahon will partner to upskill the participants in mobile plant technician skills so they are ready to take on a variety of mining employment opportunities across Queensland and Western Australia.
Rowena Ferrarotto, chief operational officer at Ironside Resources, said the partnership was an example of the meaningful employment outcomes the business has been providing ex-ADF members and their families for more than a decade.
“Ironside Resources is a specialist recruitment company for veterans and their families. We are well known in Defence circles for the hundreds of new career opportunities that we’ve carved out for veterans into the mining industry over the years, and in particular for tradespeople such as diesel mechanics,” Ferrarotto said.
Ferrarotto added, “We advocate for investing in veterans’ knowledge and qualifications from the very start of their new career, to set them up for success, which is why we’ve put our name behind this trade upgrade program in partnership with Macmahon and TAFE Queensland.”
This partnership is a product of the award-winning TAFE Queensland Defence Solutions team which provides a range of services to help support former and transitioning ADF members to have successful and meaningful civilian careers.
“The team at TAFE Queensland have the Defence knowledge, the resources available, and the understanding to help these veterans; the team at Macmahon have the desire to capture their capability and employ and train them on the ground; Ironside Resources has the extensive network and built trust within the ADF community to deliver relevant candidates to the program. Together, we’re bridging the gap,” Ferrarotto explained.
The Defence Solutions team can offer support, lived experience, and guidance on industry trends that align with appropriate and meaningful training and employment opportunities. The team also helps ex-ADF members utilise the Queensland government’s Defence to Civilian Success Training Program funding which allows ex-ADF members to receive free or subsidised training to kickstart a successful civilian career.
TAFE Queensland chief executive officer Mary Campbell said veterans are thriving in the Defence to Civilian Success Training Program, progressing through their transition to study and into employment.
“Moving back to civilian life can present challenges for veterans and their families, and TAFE Queensland is extremely proud to be able to provide professional guidance and educational pathways as these veterans take the next step in their careers,” Campbell said.
Mick Finnegan, chief executive officer and managing director of Macmahon, said the business was excited to offer this program to ex-ADF members in partnership with Ironside Resources and TAFE Queensland, with each party working together to deliver highly skilled employees for Macmahon.
“This program is a win-win situation for both the veterans and Macmahon. By providing training and support, we can help these highly skilled individuals transition into the civilian workforce and fill critical roles in our industry,” Finnegan said.
For more information about the Queensland government and TAFE Queensland’s Defence to Civilian Success Training Program, visit tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233 today to make great happen.
