Indonesia’s Green Operator Training program sees more women join the ranks

Thiess’ team in Indonesia are embedding diversity and inclusion in the workplace by delivering training programs and initiatives to help more women enter the mining industry.

 
Last month, sixteen women from local communities in Indonesia’s Kutai Barat region graduated from the Thiess Women’s Green Operator Training program.
With no prior mining experience, the women have spent the past four months completing intensive training including classroom and in-field sessions. The modules covered the safety and technical aspects of the role as well as hands-on training completing onsite circuits using the equipment they will operate, with their trainers.
Melak’s training coordinator Cahyadi had seen the success of the program and was eager to support the newest cohort.
"Everyone has worked really hard throughout program and we’re so pleased to have another group of recruits ready to join our teams at the Melak and GBU coal mines," Cahyadi said.
Melak’s Deputy Project Manager, Babsuki S. Wibowo said there were often barriers that make it hard to get a foot in the door, making this an important initiative.
"It’s a great opportunity for local women to get a start in the mining industry and gain valuable skills and knowledge," Basuki explained.
The Women’s Green Operator Training program is one of several initiatives at Thiess promoting and increasing equal employment opportunities across the business.
This is the third group of female cleanskin operators (new to industry haul truck operations) to complete the program this year bringing the total in 2019 to 44 graduates.
Recent graduate Novisha Cristia said it was the type of opportunity that opened the door to other benefits.
"In addition to providing us with valuable skills and development opportunities, these roles allow us to support our families and give back to our local communities."
The graduates are now Thiess employees and will shortly be behind the steering wheels of CAT 777 haul trucks, applying their newly found trade skills.
Congratulations to our new recruits and everyone involved in delivering the program.