Jemena has teamed up with Saltbush Social Enterprises, part of the Karen Sheldon Group, to launch a new Indigenous Workforce Mentoring Program: Pipeline to Success.
Jemena’s Managing Director, Frank Tudor, said, “This program has been specifically developed for disadvantaged Indigenous job seekers in the Northern Territory’s Barkly region. It aims to equip participants with mentoring and leadership skills so they can support other members of the community into part-time and full-time employment.
“Through our Northern Gas Pipeline project, we saw many local people participate in learning and development opportunities which ultimately enabled them to contribute to the successful construction of the $800 million gas pipeline.
“The Pipeline to Success initiative builds on this model and our hope is that through this program we will contribute to the broader economy of the Barkly region, while also identifying and mentoring a talent pool, which is potentially capable of working on the Northern Gas Pipeline in the future.”
Mr Tudor congratulated the program’s inaugural mentor, Becky Limerick of the Wakaya people.
“We are delighted Becky has completed six months of training in which she learned about attendance, communication, team work and computer skills. We’re thrilled to hear Becky is already mentoring others and promoting the benefits of this course to her community,” Mr Tudor said.
“Becky’s positive experience has paved the way for the program to expand and two more members of the local Indigenous community are now participating.”
From left: Frank Tudor, Karen Sheldon and Brendan Bourke.
Mr Tudor said Saltbush Social Enterprises was selected to deliver the program after Karen Sheldon Training, part of the Saltbush group, co-delivered Jemena’s Gas Operator Training Program as part of the delivery of the Northern Gas Pipeline.
Managing Director of Karen Sheldon Training, Karen Sheldon, said, “Jemena has a long history of connecting with the local community and is building a legacy of support. This latest initiative will enable local Indigenous people to develop employment skills and career opportunities through mentoring.
“The program will provide an environment in which local people can receive training and receive skills-based learning while respecting their culture.”
