For most students around Australia, their high school education looks like this: go to school from 9am – 3pm, five days a week. Maybe do some extra tutoring, or join a sports team for after school extra-curricular activities. And then, after six years in high school, decide between a trade or university.

But in Port Hedland, there’s another option  that can leapfrog school students into a job.

That option is joining a school-based traineeship at one of BHP’s sites. School-based traineeships offer students a paid one-day-a-week traineeship on site to prepare them to enter the local workforce after high school.

In Port Hedland, the program is giving young people real hands-on learning across BHP’s port and rail sites - opening up doors to careers in one of Australia’s most essential industries. Quincey, one of the trainees, describes the program as a “life-changing experience” because of the skills he’s picking up and the incredible support he’s receiving. “It’s a career. It’s a lifestyle. It’s everything I could wish for,” he says. Hosted by Category 5, the program combines on-the-job training on the tracks with technical lessons and production back at the Flash Butt Fixline.

For Quincey and the other trainees, a typical day involves inspecting and maintaining the rail tracks to keep everything running smoothly and safely. They’re out there grinding down rail frogs and blades to keep the tracks even and clearing debris from switches. By working side-by-side with seasoned professionals, Quincey and his fellow students are learning all the intricate details of rail infrastructure, from building long, 400-metre rail segments to installing insulation joint rails. This hands-on experience helps them see the industry from every angle and gives them a strong foundation to build on after graduation.

The relationships Quincey has built through the program are just as important to him as the skills he’s learning. Particularly for him, mentors play a big role, guiding him through each task and offering career advice. One of his mentors, Troy, has taught him the ins and outs of rail infrastructure, which Quincey really appreciates. “He’s taught me everything I need to know, and he’s been real helpful,” he says. Another mentor, Simone, feels like “a second mother” to Quincey, offering support that goes beyond technical know-how, helping him navigate the ups and downs of a career in rail.

The program also offers students a chance to try out different aspects of the job, especially for those who aren’t set on a specific path yet. Quincey’s approach is to dive into everything and see what he enjoys most, saying, “I’m going to try as many things as possible and find something I like.” This freedom to explore different sides of the industry helps students develop a flexible, curious mindset.

Since graduating, Quincey has gone on to join Troy’s team full time at Track Maintenance through Category 5. 

With the guidance of mentors, hands-on training, and the support of a town that values resilience and hard work, this school-based rail traineeship in Port Hedland is setting up young Australians for success. For Quincey and his peers, they’re not just learning to work on railways; they’re building a future filled with possibilities, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and connections from this one-of-a-kind experience.