Glencore recognises the importance of apprentices

The miner already has 266 apprentices and 115 graduates among its ranks, and its regional human resource lead Jodie Hope said they all help in Queensland’s continued economic growth.

“We’re proud that we have been able to continue hiring, and providing exciting and well-paid jobs to support Queensland’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hope said.

“Many of our Australian leaders began their careers as apprentices or graduates and have progressed their careers to senior management in our organisation.

“Glencore employs 8590 people across the state at our operations generating $8 billion in total economic value.”

Glencore is currently recruiting for its 2022 Queensland Metals Apprenticeship program, while candidate selection for its coal apprenticeship program is underway.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said these kinds of pathways were proven to be effective in developing young careers.

“We know that if you get the right people the right training, they’re much more likely to go onto have a successful and fulfilling career,” Farmer said.

“I commend Glencore for their commitment to creating excellent training opportunities in North-West Queensland, and for working with TAFE to ensure both the onsite and offsite training is to a very high standard.

“And we know Glencore apprentices do well – just last week one of their employees, Bonnie Anderson, was named the regional Apprentice of the Year in the Queensland Training Awards.”

Hope added that Glencore’s apprenticeship completion rate was at 96 per cent since 2016, while the industry average is 56 per cent for trades.

In May, over 40,000 apprenticeships and traineeships began in Queensland – 47.7 per cent higher than last year