Earlier this year The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of Management WA ran a scholarship program together to attract Aboriginal workers in the mining and resource sector to enhance their management skills.

A total of 25 applications were received for the Certificate 4 Frontline Management scholarship and of the four applicants which were awarded entrance to the program, all have graduated from the class today.

AIM WA chief executive officer Professor Gary Martin said it was the first time the Australian Institute of Management WA had delivered the Certificate 4 Frontline Management course for indigenous supervisors and managers, however, the program had been a success.

“I am delighted with the outcomes, which I am sure will contribute to enhanced management and leadership in Western Australian business,” Martin said.

CME WA acting chief executive officer Damian Callachor said the graduates were setting an excellent example to their colleagues and would hopefully encourage others to complete the course in the future.

“Sustainable employment of Aboriginal people required ongoing development and support so mentoring played a key role in the program,” Callachor said.

The graduates included Leighton Contractors indigenous workforce development coordinator Christine Ross, Rio Tinto Kangaroo Hill Village site representative Hardy Derschow, Rio Tinto aboriginal and mentor liaison officer Maria Benton and Pluton Resources community relations officer Johari Bin Demin.

Callachor said the resources sector was the largest private employer of Aboriginal people and it was important to offer them opportunities for advancement and up-skilling.

“Increasing diversity in the resources sector is critical and Aboriginal people bring not only skills to the workplace but offer new perspective’s which in turn are good for business,” he said.

CME will be offering scholarships again for the 2012 /2013 year.

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates were required to be of Aboriginal descent, employed in a team leader, supervisor or management role or seeking one of these positions, be a CME member organisation and have the support of their employer.