MAJOR hydrocarbons employer Shell Australia has launched its flagship training initiative in the Northern Territory, providing local jobseekers with the opportunity to gain hands-on skills and experience in roles needed to support the major offshore FLNG project, Prelude.
Announced at the opening ceremony of the Darwin Onshore Supply Base, the Prelude to the Future training initiative will provide training, work experience and mentoring opportunities to job-seeking Territorians.
The program will be supported by a core partnership between the Prelude FLNG joint venture, the Northern Territory Government, Charles Darwin University and Group Training NT.
Speaking at the supply base opening ceremony, chief Northern Territory minister Adam Giles said the initiative was a positive example of the oil and gas industry, government, education and training sectors working together to support employment opportunities.
“This program will provide people with hands-on experience in a range of transport and logistics roles including heavy and light vehicle operators, plant, equipment and automotive electricians,” Mr Giles said.
“We need to ensure we have a pipeline of skilled people trained and ready to fill a variety of transport and logistics roles to keep our resource sector powering along and this program will help meet some of that demand.
“The key to this program is that it helps unlock the potential of a group of people who typically face significant financial and educational hurdles, limiting their employability.”
Participants in the program will receive 20 weeks’ training provided by Charles Darwin University, as well as six weeks’ work experience, followed by mentoring support for a period of 18 months.
As an additional incentive, participants will also receive a wage, and be supplied with work wear and equipment.
Shell Australia chair Andrew Smith said the Prelude joint venture, comprising Shell Australia, Inpex, Kogas and OPIC, was committed to playing an active role in increasing employability in the Northern Territory, especially among the disadvantaged.
“Collaboration within the oil and gas sector and investment in programs such as Prelude to the Future’ are critical if we are to spread the benefits of resource development throughout the community,” he said.
“In addition to receiving mechanical, numeracy and literacy training, participants will be supported by Group Training NT through mentoring programs and receive practical assistance to help them prepare for job applications and interviews.
“The Prelude joint venture sees this as a crucial social investment which supports our presence in the Northern Territory and one which we hope has the ability to transform lives.”
The program will run for a period of two years and provide training for up to 20 people.
For more information about Prelude FLNG, click here.
