‘For many participants this program has been life-changing’

Major mining services company Thiess is looking at ways to promote company-wide adoption of a training program developed in Australia and recognized at this year’s BHP Women in Mining Awards.

Thiess’ Mt Arthur South Indigenous and Inclusive Employment (MASITE) program was named winner in the Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance category of the awards announced in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory this week.

The company says it developed the MASITE program to help attract more women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from local communities to its workforce.

“Participants in the MASITE program have access to a world-class training hub, with fully immersive simulators, support from peers and mentors, and a warm and welcoming environment,” Thiess said.

Nearly 170 participants had come into the program since March 2021, including 109 women and 79 Indigenous trainees. Thiess said female participation at the Mt Arthur South site had increased by 6.5% and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island participation had risen by 10.5%.

More than 90% of MASITE trainees converted to Thiess permanent employees at the end of the program.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team at Mt Arthur South for the work they’ve put into developing the MASITE program,” said Thiess group executive Australia East Operations, Rae O’Brien.

“We’ve seen an increase in our female and Indigenous participation at Mt Arthur South since the program was first introduced, which is a great outcome.” 

Thiess Mining project manager John Hamson said the MASITE program was having a significant positive influence on the culture at Mt Arthur South.

“For many participants, this program has been life-changing, providing a new pathway to rewarding careers and creating a brighter future for them and their families,” he said.

Thiess plans to continue onboarding new-to-industry recruits through the program and said it was exploring ways to roll the program out to the rest of the company.

“Thiess looks forward to continuing to deliver real, meaningful change in the industry,” the company said.

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