The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) has entered into an agreement with the Australian Government via the Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for the delivery of a program under the National Skill Shortage Strategy (NSSS) arrangements.

 

APPEA has been funded to deliver a range of outcomes associated with the improved employment participation in the upstream oil and gas industry. The project commenced in November 2007 and is due to conclude in December 2008.

 

MITAC is assisting APPEA with the implementation and co-ordination of NT project activities.

 

Activities in the NT have included the delivery of an 8 week Indigenous pre-employment program aimed at preparing local Indigenous men and women for employment within the upstream oil and gas industry.

 

The program was funded by both DEEWR and the Nothern Territory Department of Education and Training (DET). Industries Services Training were responsible for the delivery, and the program

concluded on the 14th of October 2008.

 

APPEA's Chief Executive, Ms Belinda Robinson said 'The graduates are really well equipped to work in any industry, Territory wide, and have experienced a variety of workplaces during their training including a visit to the Conoco-Phillips liquid natural gas plant at Wickham Point.'

 

All students learned about OH&S policies and procedures, how to operate a forklift and elevated work platforms as well as how to drive heavy rigid vehicles. Students were also given training in either crane operations (dogging) or working at heights and in confined spaces.

 

'The skills taught on this course will make the graduates a very valuable resource for industry to use and APPEA congratulates all students for their effort.'

 

'While we're quietly confident of all the graduates finding suitable work, we are happy to say that Regional & Northern Maintenance Services (RANms) have already employed one of our participants as a trainee OH&S Manager,' said Ms Robinson.

 

APPEA activities are underpinned by 'The Strategic Leaders Report - Platform for Prosperity - Australian Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Strategy.'

 

This report identifies a range of strategic initiatives the industry will need to address in the next nine years to 2017.

 

A key area within this overall strategic direction is the barrier to growth caused by skill shortages. The report specifies the development of a national petroleum sector skills and vocational training plan, and sets out the details of such a plan.

 

To view the report please visit the APPEA website - www.appea.com.au and click on the 'Industry Strategy' link.

 

For further information on NSSS project activities in the NT, please contact Michelle Bailey on (08) 8981 0077, 0427 885 548 or michelle@mitac.org.au