The Driller's Offsider Job Ready programme is among a suite of new skill sets developed in collaboration with WA industries to deliver short, sharp training for job seekers and young people enabling them to upskill or reskill in industries with a need for skilled workers.

The new programme will provide participants with skills to work safely on-site, apply first aid and CPR, work safely at heights and operate and maintain a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Expressions of interest for the new programme are now open, with the first intake of students scheduled to start training with registered training organisation Australian Training Management next month. The training is free for all job seekers, young people, and concession-eligible students and low fees for non-concession students.

Prior to commencing the training, participants will undertake a one-day induction delivered by the industry to introduce them to a driller's role and working environment. On completion of the course, students will be connected with opportunities to transition into employment, undertake a traineeship with a participating employer or further their training to gain a drilling operations qualification.

The Driller's Offsider Job Ready programme was developed in consultation with the Resources Industry Training Council and key industry partners, who form part of a reference group that oversees the programme. It is part of the state government's AUS$5.5 billion (US$4.1 billion) investment in WA Recovery Plan initiatives to upskill the WA workforce and enhance employment and training opportunities following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Education and Training Minister, Sue Ellery, said: "There is a strong demand for driller's offsiders and the McGowan government is continuing to deliver new training programmes to meet workforce needs across the resources sector.

"This new Job Ready programme offers a low-cost and fast-track training option to help Western Australians into entry-level driller's offsider jobs while providing a pathway to full drilling operations qualifications and employment.

"Strong industry involvement in the program helps to link participants with employers and orientation with the working environment to ensure the industry is a good fit for them."

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