While working in some of
Australia's most remote and culturally sensitive communities,
Macmahon has built productive relations with local traditional
owners and groups.
The creation of the Aboriginal contracting business Doorn-Djil Yoordaning reflects Macmahon's strong commitment to the communities in which the company operates. The name, taken from the Noongar Balladong language of Western Australia, represents a unique "coming together" of industry and community to create a new player in the Australian contracting industry.
Indigenous Employment and Training
Macmahon has an award-winning training framework in place for engaging Indigenous people into employment across its operations.
The company's pre-employment training program has celebrated a milestone of more than 100 people participating in the program since it began in 2006.
Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply for employment with Macmahon at all projects around Australia. On key projects, Macmahon has implemented a four tiered approach to increase pathways into full time employment:
This four tiered approach includes:
1. Direct Employment
Skilled applicants in mining and construction disciplines.
2. Entry Level Direct Employment
Identified entry level positions for on the job training and development.
3. Traineeships and Apprenticeships
Macmahon is a major employer of apprentices, with more than 100 young trainees employed across Australia. About 10 per cent of these apprentices are Indigenous Australians.
Macmahon commenced Certificate II and III Surface Extraction traineeships for Indigenous people in Newman, Western Australia. By rotating trainees across different departments, each traineeship is tailored to suit individual aspirations and interests. This allows the trainee to gain valuable experience and maximum exposure to the varied employment positions within the mining industry.
The company's Construction Division also offers ample opportunities for Indigenous Australians to combine employment with training.
Indigenous mentors are available to support trainees and apprentices for the duration of their tailored training program. This approach has resulted in a 90 per cent success rate for apprentices completing their traineeships and gaining full time employment on key projects. Macmahon successfully introduced business administration traineeships in 2006 to provide opportunities to young people in the mining and construction industry, people who traditionally did not apply for positions in mechanical apprenticeship disciplines.
In the Northern Territory, Macmahon runs programs training Business Administration Apprentices, supplying them with hands on experience.
4. Pre-employment training
The Indigenous Mining Skills Program (IMSP) was developed in Newman, Western Australia, in partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Pilbara TAFE. This is a 14-week vocational program which helps participants address issues that may have previously prevented successful recruitment into the industry.
Workshops and formal training programs are held on a variety of different elements which include senior first aid, working at heights, forklift and EWP, resume writing and interview techniques, team and self esteem building projects and a formal qualification in Certificate I Resource and Infrastructure.
The program also involves work experience, which enables participants to gain a valuable insight into the mining industry and develop practical hands-on skills. The Indigenous Mining Skills Program has been running since 2006, with more than nine programs undertaken over the past four years in which some 85 people have participated.
Outstanding employment outcomes have been achieved, with the program winning a number of state and federal awards.