Woodside Energy’s Scarborough Energy Project is boosting employment opportunities for Traditional Custodians, with the skills of a group of new graduates bolstered through a Work Ready program run by Ngarlyarndu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation (NBAC) and supported by Pluto Train 2 Project (part of the Scarborough Energy Project) and its lead contractor, Bechtel.
Sixteen graduates are now ready to commence full-time employment as Trade Assistants on the Pluto Train 2 site with Bechtel. Roles vary across various disciplines including electrical, mechanical, warehousing and concreting.
The latest round of the program commenced in February 2024 and aims to build employable skills and industry experience, with participants completing Construction White Card, First Aid and Site Induction Certifications.
Bechtel offered each participant a choice of job shadow placements, which provided invaluable insights into the industry and allowed them to make informed decisions about their futures. Participants also gained on-the-job experience, while building work/life balance skills to prepare them for full-time employment.
A large part of the program's success has been credited to the comradery and culture that has grown within the group. As the participants’ skills grew, so too have integral and supportive relationships.
Woodside will continue to provide wrap-around support to the graduates, identifying long-term and sustainable training and development opportunities such as apprenticeships, traineeships or roles within operations and projects.
Pluto Train 2 Project Manager, Tom Feutrill said that the program goes beyond just preparing participants for work. It also creates career pathways and builds capability in the local community.
“Woodside’s involvement in the program is aimed at establishing employment opportunities and providing successful and meaningful careers, while developing critical life skills and confidence.”
Many participants entered the program not yet ready for employment. Some had taken a break from work, while others had not been previously employed. The process of applying for construction roles was initially seen as a challenge, with many not knowing where to begin.
“The Work Ready program is about giving Traditional Custodians an opportunity to work on a construction site, removing barriers to enter the industry. Those involved can be proud of the success of this program. It’s testament to a collaborative approach and each participant's hard work, dedication and commitment.” said, Pluto Train 2 Project Manager, Tom Feutrill.
Bechtel Site Manager, Terry Klowss said, “The Work Ready Program has been a valuable asset to Bechtel’s workforce, enriching our team while simultaneously providing the graduates with invaluable exposure to the construction industry.
“We are immensely proud to support this initiative for a second year, as it has opened up diverse employment opportunities across Bechtel’s construction disciplines, allowing participants to explore their interests and gain firsthand work experience with our company. This not only fosters their professional growth, but also cultivates a strong sense of belonging, which is one of our core values.”
The Work Ready program has helped break down barriers to employment for Traditional Custodians, providing support through culturally appropriate mentoring and guidance, addressing home governance, developing important life skills, improving health/wellbeing, developing pride and confidence, and building cultural respect and social connectedness.
The program is part of the vision of Uncle David Walker, NBAC Chairperson, who wants “to help our people move away from sit-down money, so our future generations have a better chance, and we can provide our families with a better life. For this to happen, our people need education and training. Station life is no more. We will only achieve supervisory, managerial, and even apprenticeships through education and hard work. I want to see and be a part of this change. If we can see this, we will see our people have safe, stable housing, employment and better health and wellbeing; we will see them committed to their individual self-determination.”
Working with an experienced construction contractor such as Bechtel provides a unique opportunity to be involved in a project that helps meet the growing demand for the low-cost, lower carbon, reliable energy the world needs today and into the future.
The Pluto Train 2 Project is part of Woodside’s Scarborough Energy Project, which is set to generate billions of Australian tax dollars and boost the WA economy and communities, growing jobs and bringing work through the supply chain. The project will also support investment in education, training and jobs.
The Scarborough Energy Project has engaged more than 300 WA businesses to work on the Pluto Train 2 Project. To date, more than 30 contracts have been awarded to Indigenous businesses by Pluto Train 2 lead contractor Bechtel or their subcontractors.
The Scarborough natural gas field is located 375 km off the coast of WA in the Carnarvon Basin. The development includes the installation of a semi-submersible floating production unit, connected by 430 km pipeline to a second LNG train (Pluto Train 2) at the existing Pluto LNG onshore facility.
From 2026, the Scarborough Energy Project is set to provide critical natural gas to Western Australia, helping to prevent shortages and keeping downward pressure on cost of living for consumers.
