Rio Tinto training program provides ‘foot in the door’ for Indigenous graduates

Eager to embrace new work opportunities, 19 Pilbara residents have graduated from Rio Tinto’s Aboriginal Training and Liaison program in Karratha. The ATAL program, co-designed with traditional owners and relaunched last year, provides support to Aboriginal people in the Pilbara to develop skills to help them secure a job. Most of the Pilbara graduates are from traditional owner groups where Rio Tinto operates, including Banjima, Muntulgura Guruma, Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura, Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi and Yinhawangka. Rio Tinto general manager rail maintenance Matt Baartz said the ATAL was important for participants in overcoming the traditional barriers to workplace entry that some community members might face. “We’ve seen many of our graduates go on to permanent roles within Rio Tinto, through operator roles, maintainer roles and across to our ports and rail businesses on the coast and our mining operations inland as well,” he said. “With last year’s graduates already making valuable contributions to our business, we are excited to see the positive impact these new graduates will bring to our operations and the broader industry.” ATAL graduate Jason Hubert said completing the program was a way to get a foot in the door. “I’d encourage anyone to give ATAL a go,” he said. “There’s lots of nice people out there who will help you. Don’t look back, just go forward.” Also graduating from the ATAL program, Jazryn Ingie said building friendships and experiencing the mining industry first-hand were highlights. “Seeing family and friends go through ATAL last year, I saw that they could do it, so I thought I could do it too,” she said. “The program has been a great experience in building my self-confidence.” Over 18 weeks, ATAL included a six-week work-ready program, as well as an industry-ready program with tailored onboarding activities, safety training and hands-on work experience across Rio Tinto’s rail and port operations.