Fortescue’s VTEC Graduation celebrates diversity
10 March 2016
Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has celebrated the first Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) graduation of 2016 with 11 graduates bound for work at the company’s Cloudbreak mine.
Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has celebrated the first Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) graduation of 2016 with 11 graduates bound for work at the company’s Cloudbreak mine.
Continuing a proud tradition of female participation, half of the VTEC graduates are women.
Chief Executive Officer Nev Power says Fortescue believes that workplace diversity, including gender and aboriginal diversity, is a fundamental contributor to business success.
“To end the disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Australia it is critically important that women are given the education and employment opportunities, through programs such as VTEC, to enable them to become role models in their communities,” Mr Power said.
“Fortescue is a stronger business today through the contribution of our women which is why we are delighted to welcome these graduates into the Fortescue family.”
On site, the graduates will continue to learn and develop under the keen leadership of General Manager for Cloudbreak, Maryanne Kelly. Ms Kelly is passionate about supporting women in mining and helping Aboriginal people thrive in their career.
“As Fortescue’s first mine site, Cloudbreak has a long and proud history of supporting VTEC graduates. The graduates have already shown themselves to be hard working and determined and everyone at Cloudbreak looks forward to supporting them to reach their full potential,” Ms Kelly said.
Roseanne Simpson, a standout graduate who has already won an internal Fortescue award for demonstrating leadership and teamwork during the VTEC program, said the training had opened her eyes.
“I’ve always known Fortescue to have a reputation for doing things differently and to have a strong focus on helping Aboriginal people. Fortescue’s VTEC program has given me more determination to always do my best and I am excited about the opportunities I will have at Fortescue,” Ms Simpson said.
Fortescue is a leader in its commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal people through training, employment and Aboriginal business development. Having commenced their training in January, the graduates have completed a number of TAFE units, including first aid, as well as receiving a qualification in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island mental health aid.
Continuing a proud tradition of female participation, half of the VTEC graduates are women.
Chief Executive Officer Nev Power says Fortescue believes that workplace diversity, including gender and aboriginal diversity, is a fundamental contributor to business success.
“To end the disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Australia it is critically important that women are given the education and employment opportunities, through programs such as VTEC, to enable them to become role models in their communities,” Mr Power said.
“Fortescue is a stronger business today through the contribution of our women which is why we are delighted to welcome these graduates into the Fortescue family.”
On site, the graduates will continue to learn and develop under the keen leadership of General Manager for Cloudbreak, Maryanne Kelly. Ms Kelly is passionate about supporting women in mining and helping Aboriginal people thrive in their career.
“As Fortescue’s first mine site, Cloudbreak has a long and proud history of supporting VTEC graduates. The graduates have already shown themselves to be hard working and determined and everyone at Cloudbreak looks forward to supporting them to reach their full potential,” Ms Kelly said.
Roseanne Simpson, a standout graduate who has already won an internal Fortescue award for demonstrating leadership and teamwork during the VTEC program, said the training had opened her eyes.
“I’ve always known Fortescue to have a reputation for doing things differently and to have a strong focus on helping Aboriginal people. Fortescue’s VTEC program has given me more determination to always do my best and I am excited about the opportunities I will have at Fortescue,” Ms Simpson said.
Fortescue is a leader in its commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal people through training, employment and Aboriginal business development. Having commenced their training in January, the graduates have completed a number of TAFE units, including first aid, as well as receiving a qualification in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island mental health aid.