Mentoring for meaningful change

As part of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commitments, Thiess aims to provide dedicated mentoring support to Indigenous employees and integrate this support into employment pathway programs.

In response to the 2024 Connect.Yarn.Grow conference feedback and site yarning circles, Thiess commenced its mentoring pilot program at Lake Vermont this week.

The pilot aims to understand how Thiess can best support its Indigenous employees through formal mentoring or peer support and aims to address barriers faced by employees particularly in remote and regional areas.

The pilot involves training Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees to become mentors who meet with Indigenous mentees for scheduled sessions. Mentors will provide guidance and support to mentees on career development and navigating cultural and social challenges.

It was great to kick off the first mentor training session with our program partner, Petina Tieman - Complete Business Solutions. Petina is a globally recognised Indigenous engagement specialist who has lived and worked in remote and regional communities, primarily supporting Indigenous peoples through mentoring, business support, and delivering culturally nuanced skills programs.

The half-day training session facilitated by Petina focused on six modules, including Cultural Nuances and Indigenous Perspectives, Core Mentoring Skills Development, Career Advancement and Retention Strategies, and the difference between Peer Support and Mentoring.

Four Indigenous employees attended the first session, and the feedback was positive. All participants showed a willingness to support others by providing guidance, reflecting on their personal and professional experiences, and promoting existing Thiess processes and programs to support employees.

"I wish this training was here when I started in the industry" – Bill  

"This program aligns with the needs and what I’m hearing on the ground. I am keen to be a mentor to support people to get in and stay in the industry" - Mila 

We aim to expand this program across our operations as we continue to build pathways for success.