Careers

Pilbara Pathways Partnership

The Pilbara Pathways Partnership is designed to provide opportunities, facilities and resources to students to help them develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge needed for successful transition into further training, education and employment.

The Pilbara Pathways Partnership has won multiple awards, and been recognised throughout Australia and overseas.

The industry, group training, school and TAFE partnership began in 2004 and is designed to provide opportunities, facilities and resources to participants.

What are the benefits to participants?

By taking part in the program both Apprenticeships Western Australia and Rio Tinto Iron Ore will guarantee participants an interview opportunity for the apprenticeship or traineeship of their choice.

Participants will gain detailed practical knowledge about the jobs they are going for, and how to present themselves.
They will be able to make informed decisions as to whether an apprenticeship or traineeship is the right pathway for them and how to identify alternative choices that will be of interest.
They will receive the opportunity of paid vacation work with Ro Tinto Iron Ore.
They will have the opportunity to meet and discuss on a number of occasions with skilled tradespeople as mentors.
They will qualify in a nationally recognised program at Certificate I level while still at school.
They will be exposed to a number of "pathways" by which to achieve their individual ambitions.

Before the programme starts

The program chooses participants carefully. During the time leading up to the actual interview process students are already being assessed for suitability. Leading up to the application
process students are expected to demonstrate and maintain the following:

Excellent attendance and punctuality
Appropriate workplace and school behaviour.
Having an up-to-date resume.
Undertaking a course on Interview skills.
Parents attendance at information sessions.
Adherence to all Safety Regulations.
Achievement of Level 4 in literacy and numeracy
Attendance at inductions - Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Signed agreement to the Student Commitment.
Signed agreement to the Parent/Guardian Commitment.
Alcohol & Drugs - negative test result.
Participation in Apprenticeships WA Aptitude profiling.

During the programme

Having been selected, the students' obligations continue to be demanding throughout the program.
Students agree to:

Work at their full potential.
Attend all workshops, activities and structured workplace learning placements.
Stay in good standing (e.g. handing in all assessment by the due day).
Be work ready and able to pass the Alcohol and Drug Test.
Attend school every day when not at TAFE or Structured Workplace Learning.
Attend TAFE on day organised by the school.
Pass all TAFE courses.
Attend all relevant events.

How do our participants qualify?

The course selection process happens during Year 10, 11 and 12. Applicants need to complete the following steps:

Step 1 - Fill in an application form

These include:

Photocopies of the latest Year 9, 10 and 11 school reports need to be attached.
A reference section must be completed by a school representative who endorses the application.
Reference from an employer/ friend (not a relation)

Step 2 - Attend a panel interview

Interview panels are comprised of members of TAFE, AWA, Pilbara Iron and T.P.S.H.S.
Once offered a position in the program, students and parents must confirm their commitment to the program by signing Commitment forms.

The Programme

Participants attend:

TAFE one day per week
School four days per week
Structured workplace learning two weeks in Terms 2, 3 & 4.
(This timetable may vary due to the availability of facilities and facilitators)