NEW DRILL FOR GRADUATES
Learning the drill will hit paydirt for graduates
DRILLING is part and parcel of a new career path for Far North Queenslanders who are now qualified and ready to work in the resources sector.
They have completed the Envizioning Drilling Careers training or Drill Skills FNQ programs conducted by Australasian Drilling Institute and enVizion Group.
Australasian Drilling Institute (ADI) has partnered with Envizion Group to deliver two training programs under the Queensland government funded Community Learning project (CLP) and the indigenous Training Strategy (ITS) project, and Certificate 3 Guarantee funding.
For both projects participants can attain two national industry qualifications of Certificate II in Drilling Operations and Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set from the Resources and Infrastructure Industry training package.
The Certificate II is the entry-level qualification required for drillers’ assistants in the mineral exploration drilling sector and enables graduates to gain work experience in a number of drilling operations and methods to then progress to a Certificate III, which is the driller’s qualification.
The Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set is required for contractors to work on coal mining leases in Queensland and thus opens other employment pathways in the resources industry.
ADI managing director Ili Cava said students were eligible for government assistance because they had some form of disadvantage and met other conditions.
“Many are underemployed, trying to make ends meet with casual or contract work,” he said.
“But they are very capable, eager to work and will be great team members for drilling companies.”
enVizion Group Julie-ann Lambourne said the graduates included women, indigenous people, migrants, young and mature-aged people.
“All are determined to do something constructive to improve their careers,” she said.
New Zealander Michaiah Moala said he was very keen to improve his career and was hoping the certificate would lead to a job in the resources sector.
He said he was currently working as a labourer and wanted to boost the income for his partner and baby boy.
“Unfortunately, the only thing holding me back is a truck licence, which I hope to get later this year,” Mr Moala said.
The graduates are from Ingham, Innisfail, Tolga, Dimbulah and Cow Bay, as well as from across the Cairns region.
The graduates are: Michai-ah Moala, Jaquelyn Oberleuter, Peter Shelly, Jack Warne, Andrew Bossard, Joshua Mareko, Samuel Summers, Abiu Ware-Bowie, Reece Fieldhouse, Shane Harris, Frank Hudson, Edward Pearson, Johnathon Pearson, Luke Boissevain, Lachlan Battle Leask, Nicholas Cutting, Phayde Daniels, Jedidiah Vico, Dylan Conayne, Keni Jobi, Anthony Vardanega, Maranti King, Alfred Passi, Tuoro Tapaitau, Benjamin-Chuno-Vienot, Zane McLean, Peoy Pabai and Yanaman Kebisu.