Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt welcomed the commitment from BHP today that it would fund and train 3,500 new Australian apprenticeship and training positions.

“This is great news from BHP today and shows the mining sector’s commitment to supporting the Australian economy through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Pitt said.

“The resources sector and mining jobs are so important to the Australian economy, particularly to regional areas.

“Around 1,000 of the apprenticeship positions will be focused in regional areas across a range of industries to help support local economies.

“It’s encouraging to see that regional communities and especially young people in these communities will continue to have apprentice opportunities and avenues to learn new skills and broaden existing skill sets.

“The Coalition Government unashamedly backs the resources sector and the thousands of jobs it continues to create.  I believe these jobs will be the foundation for sustainable regional communities for decades into the future.

“I look forward to similar commitments being made by other major resource companies.

“While no part of Australia has been immune to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resources sector has continued to operate and continued to employ people during these difficult months.”

Media contact:

Minister Pitt's office 02 6277 7180