Eleven Aboriginal prisoners are well-placed to join Western Australia’s mining industry, after completing a civil construction training course at Karnet Prison Farm.
Endorsed by the Bindjareb Traditional Owners, the Department of Justice and Carey Training program equips soon-to-be-released prisoners with vital skills to enter the workforce and help with the current labour shortage.
The 14-week course – run at a simulated mine site at Karnet – allows participants to meet with potential employers, including WesTrac, Altrad Services, Carey Group, Alcoa, and Monadelphous – demonstrating the importance of professional relationships.
At yesterday’s graduation, 10 of the men received a Certificate II in Civil Construction while one received a Certificate III, after completing additional work and acting as a peer mentor.
Two former prisoners and star alumni of the Carey Bindjareb program returned to Karnet to speak about their own career success with Dwayne – a three-time employee of the month winner at WesTrac – and John, who works in the resources sector in a fly-in fly-out role.
Since 2019, 90 minimum security prisoners have completed the program, with more than two-thirds of those released finding employment in the mining and construction industries. Importantly, recidivism rates among offenders have also been drastically reduced.
Aboriginal-owned Carey Training is also a finalist in the Australian Institute of Management’s Pinnacle Awards – WA’s premier business leadership excellence awards. The Carey Bindjareb Program is forming the main part of its submission.
As stated by Corrective Services Minister Bill Johnston:
“A big congratulations to the 11 men who have graduated from the Carey Bindjareb program. You should all be very proud of this achievement.
“The course supports these men to connect or reconnect with their culture and country while learning key life skills, including resilience and confidence.
“I’m thrilled that the majority of graduates in the community are gainfully employed in the mining and civil industries, and I wish today’s graduates every success in the future.”
