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BHP Billiton will trial an Iron Ore cadetship in Port Hedland, Western Australia, next year giving local students the opportunity to study a professional engineering degree. The cadetship will be the first of its kind in the North West mining industry.

The program will allow up to two students to work for BHP Billiton Iron Ore at Port Hedland while studying for a degree at the University of Western Australia (UWA). The seven-year program will combine full- and part-time studies at university with significant periods of hands-on work experience at BHP Billiton Iron Ore sites.

The cadetship has been developed as part of a community partnership initiative in Port Hedland, involving input from local schools as well as the UWA Engineering Faculty. It may be extended to other sites in the future.

Applications are invited from local Port Hedland students and children of Port Hedland residents studying Year 12 elsewhere. The University of WA's entrance requirements for engineering must be met by the students in order to be eligible for a cadetship.

Cadets will be paid an annual salary and be covered for the majority of education expenses including accommodation while at university in Perth. During the program cadets will work at BHP Billiton Iron Ore sites and gain competencies in a range of engineering fields. Cadets will receive development support from a team of mentors and engineering professionals.

Successful cadets will gain an engineering degree from the University of Western Australia and a wealth of valuable work experience. They will have preference for advertised graduate positions with BHP Billiton Iron Ore when advertised.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for our local youth. BHP Billiton Iron Ore encourages female and indigenous students to consider this program as a career option.

Expressions of interest from Year 10, 11 and 12 students are being taken now. Applications close on 2 November 2001.