Government funding boosts Indigenous jobs and training
Mark Arbib
posted Wednesday, 20 January 2010
The Rudd Government today announced more than $1 million funding for Ngarda Civil and Mining to help employ and train 91 Indigenous people in the Pilbara region.
Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib said the funding, under the Indigenous Employment Program (IEP), would see 50 Indigenous people employed at Ngarda’s Pilbara operations, as well as the recruitment of an Indigenous cadet to undertake undergraduate studies.
Ngarda will also provide specific workplace and industry training to a further 40 participants at its Yarrie mine site in the Pilbara.
“Ngarda is an industry leader in Indigenous employment and its efforts are a positive contribution to the Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap in Indigenous disadvantage,” Senator Arbib said.
“The funding will also help to provide the vital skills the Western Australian resources sector needs to meet demand for workers on the projects of the future.”
Ngarda General Manager Darren Lundberg said the organisation’s mission was to provide wealth creation for Indigenous people and stakeholders by being the most successful Indigenous-owned and operated commercial venture in the Pilbara Region and beyond.
The company has an Indigenous employment target of 85 per cent of its workforce and always attempts to employ local Indigenous people before looking outside for candidates.
“Already 20 Indigenous people have commenced training and a further 20 will start at Yarrie next month,” Senator Arbib said.
The Rudd Government has committed $764 million over five years to the Indigenous Employment Program to strengthen Indigenous employment and business opportunities.
The Government is committed to halving the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment within a decade.
Programs like IEP are equipping employers with the skills, knowledge and expertise to provide employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians and providing support for Indigenous Australians to become self-employed and develop businesses.
Tags: Education, Employment, Indigenous, Jobs, Training, WA