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BHP CEO Mike Henry has today announced BHP’s commitment to training and funding for 3,500 new Australian apprenticeship and training positions, and driving up to $450 million into supporting business opportunities in Australia’s mining, equipment, technology and services (METS) sector.

BHP FutureFit Academy

HP will create 2,500 new apprenticeship and traineeship positions over the next five years through the BHP FutureFit Academy, established in March this year, with associated spend of $300 million. Places would be split between the Academy’s campuses in Mackay in Queensland and Welshpool (Perth) in Western Australia.

Apprenticeships are on offer for heavy diesel fitters and mechanical fitters, with the program also offering a one-year Certificate II maintenance traineeship. Training is delivered in conjunction with CQ University and North Metropolitan TAFE (Perth). To date, more than 450 people have enrolled.

The METS sector is an important part of the Australian economy and has a deep indirect multiplier effect over many parts of the nation’s industrial base. It has also been identified as a sector that has significant potential for economic and employment growth subject to the right settings and support.

BHP has identified a package of $450 million that it could bring to bear to support METS sector growth in Australia, including new BHP contracts with Australian suppliers, working with its major technology providers to source more local products or work, and new investments in technology pilots and emerging businesses.