2019 Bengalla Apprenticeship Program Kicks Off

Bengalla Mining Company, together with Apprenticeship specialists MIGAS, has today opened applications for their 2018 apprenticeship program with Electrical and Mechanical trades on offer. Local Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter Shire residents looking for a long-term career in the mining industry are encouraged to apply.

Four positions are available this year for Electrical Apprenticeships and Plant Mechanic Apprenticeships, with the new recruits set to commence in November. The roles include hands-on experience at Bengalla’s open cut coal mine combined with industry leading training at Hunter Institute Muswellbrook Mining Industry Skills Centre.

Bengalla has offered an annual apprenticeship intake for over a decade. The program has seen 16 apprentices become trade qualified since 2013. The four new recruits will join 15 current apprentices still progressing their apprenticeship.

Bengalla has a long history of developing local talent through their apprenticeship program, with some going on to receive awards and furthering their career at the mine.

Bengalla Chief Executive Officer, Cam Halfpenny said the program offers apprentices the opportunity to work in a safe environment with experienced tradespeople across a broad range of electrical and plant mechanic functions.

“We provide ongoing coaching, mentoring and support from both MIGAS and Bengalla as the apprentices work to obtain a nationally recognised qualification,” Mr Halfpenny said.

“The program gives apprentices a great start in the mining industry and allows Bengalla to tap into a pool of talented workers and help build capacity in the Hunter Valley.

“We’re looking for self-motivated team players to fill our four available apprenticeship places at Bengalla and start their careers in mining,” Mr Halfpenny said.

Due to the high level of skills required the recruitment process is rigorous. It includes phone interviews and competency and capability assessment including aptitude tests. They then complete group assessments to identify unique skills such as critical thinking skills, mechanical aptitude and teamwork, before further face-to-face interviews.

CEO of MIGAS Apprentices and Trainees, Craig Westwood, said applications for Bengalla are highly competitive.

“MIGAS received 729 applications last year, many of them from the local community." 

“This program has been developed over many years and I believe it is one of the finest in the country." 

“It provides these apprentices with more than just their qualification; they’ll have the opportunity to train and gain experience in a world class organisation with first class facilities, they’ll have access to our exclusive Scholarship Program to fund further skills, they’ll also be provided with individual coaching and mentoring and further training to become some of the very best and highly specialised tradespeople in the region,” Mr Westwood said.

Applications will close on 6 July 2018.