Australian Indigenous Education Foundation students visit Cannington

Scholarship students from the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) recently visited our Cannington operation in Queensland, Australia, to learn about the many pathways to employment in the mining industry.  

The concept for the Career Experience Day was developed by Cannington employees Tafara Chipamaunga, who is also an AIEF mentor, and Danielle Kyle, Indigenous Liaison Officer. Flying in to the remote operation, the students toured Cannington’s workshops, warehouses, and processing facilities, and even took a trip underground to see our mining operations. 

Our Chief Operating Officer, Jason Economidis, said the Careers Experience Day gave students first-hand experience of the rewarding careers on offer in the resources sector. 

“We love helping young people fulfil their potential and we are very proud to partner with the AIEF to provide young women and men with educational support and pathways into further education, training and full-time employment,” Jason said. 

“This great initiative builds on our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, which includes a commitment to grow our Indigenous employment and procurement and expand cultural awareness training for employees, as well as increasing community investment programs that drive long-term change.  

“We want South32 to be an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the partnership will help many young people on their future career path.”

South32 has been a proud supporter of AIEF since 2020, helping Indigenous students gain access to schooling, complete high school and develop skills for a successful transition to employment.