CQU training boosts Thiess’ Indonesian workforce 32 years on
A long-standing partnership between CQUniversity and Thiess is continuing to help the company align the training of its Indonesian apprentice with their Australian counterparts.
Starting in 1992 with then-Central Queensland Institute of TAFE, the Thiess Apprenticeship Program was bolstered when CQ TAFE merged with CQU in 2014.
Associate Dean of the School of Trades Rob Buttery said the partnership is still going strong after so many years with the latest batch of Indonesian apprentices graduating recently.
“Thiess is looking to align their workforce skills and chose to use the Australian apprenticeship model as a means to ensure consistency across operations and staff training,” Mr Buttery said.
“The Thiess Apprenticeship Program started with an apprentice program for heavy diesel mechanics. This followed the Australian apprenticeship model, delivered over four years, with training and assessment at the Balikpapan Training Centre and on-site work experience at the mine sites within the Kalimantan Province.”
He said the training also allowed many of the Indonesian apprentices the opportunity to undertake work placement in Australia, alongside their fellow Australian colleagues in Central Queensland and Western Australia – and to support various Thiess operations in Chile.
“As these students complete the qualification with Australian recognised qualifications, the workforce can support Thiess operations in Australia. This assists the company workforce needs, particularly around the national skills shortages,” he said.
“These workers have received high praise for their skills and knowledge capabilities on sites around the Bowen Basin, resulting in the initial six-month program being extended to two years.”
Student Miftahur Ridlo said the opportunity meant a lot to him.
“It enabled me to develop and use my knowledge and skills I have acquired at work,” Miftahur said.
“It gave me the skills I was trained to use to work with many people from different countries and I know how to do safe work in the mining industry.”
He said the training received was “excellent”.
“I really enjoyed the training. I learned so much from basic safe work through to all about mechanical and electrical features in heavy equipment. After I graduated, I received the Certificate III from CQU which I can use to work in Australia now.”
Fellow student Dita Kristianto agreed.
“The training I did as an apprentice mechanic was great,” Dita said.
“I wasn’t just learning in class but got experience from the field (on-site) also. I got experience about how to understand mechanical and electrical systems, maintain mobile plant equipment with high standard, care about safety and the environment and many others.”
He said the Certificate III in Mobile Technology training was “invaluable”.
“The course was well structured, focusing on the mining industry, which enhanced my competence in my field. This qualification not only boosted my career prospects, but also equipped me with tools and knowledge to prepare me for future opportunities.”
Since the training program began in 1992, more than 1600 Indonesian apprentices have participated with a more than 95 per cent completion rate.
“The students see the Thiess Apprenticeship Program as an opportunity to change theirs and their family’s futures. The Thiess Apprenticeship Program is very highly regarded and sought after, with almost 2000 applicants annually for the offered apprentice program positions,” Mr Buttery said.
“The Thiess Apprenticeship Program continues to grow and has forged a strong partnership between Thiess and CQUniversity, which is being looked at by other Indonesian businesses, with the intent to replicate this style of training within Indonesia.”
The training is a vital part of Thiess’ training plan and has grown from the heavy diesel mechanics apprenticeship program to now include automotive electrical and metal fabrication (welding) apprenticeship programs. Future apprenticeship programs are in discussion, as Thiess looks to expand their training initiatives.
“Thiess are looking to utilise this program and future programs to assist in the development of the Kalimantan region. A key initiative they have employed is around equity and equality,” Mr Buttery said.
“The 2025 intake of another 54 students has a 50/50 ratio of male and female employees, demonstrating Thiess’ commitment to the region and CQUniversity’s involvement in this development,” Mr Buttery said.
