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Fortescue Metals Group was one of the founding signatories
to the Australian Employment Covenant and has trained
and employed 300 indigenous Australians as part of
its commitment.
John Perry is a graduate of Fortescue Metals Group's
Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC). He is
currently employed at Fortescue’s Herb Elliott Port facility
at Port Hedland as a Shiploader Operator. Prior to entering
VTEC John was unemployed.
John began his journey with Fortescue in 2008 when
he joined the VTEC training course in Port Hedland.
He completed courses in building and construction
and, through VTEC’s in-house driver's licence program,
successfully regained his driver’s licence. While waiting
to re-qualify for his driver’s licence, John worked as a
landscaper for Fortescue’s job-ready contracting service,
VTEC Services, and landscaped a number of the houses
built for Fortescue Port Hedland employees.
In 2009, John was transferred to the Herb Elliott Port
where he works in the Central Control Room operating
the stackers and reclaimers – some of the largest pieces
of equipment onsite. He also operates the shiploader,
the only manned piece of equipment at Herb Elliott Port.
In fact, John holds the world record for loading the most
iron ore on to a ship in a 12 hour shift through a single
shiploader – 125,497 tonnes.
On becoming part of the Fortescue team at Port Hedland,
John became eligible to take part in Fortescue’s home
ownership scheme, which helps employees buy their own
homes. John decided to take part and selected one of his
favourite houses that he landscaped during his time with
VTEC Services.
Since VTEC was established in 2006, Fortescue has
provided training and employment opportunities for more
than 1,000 indigenous people in the Pilbara. Fortescue
currently employs approximately 300 aboriginal people
(comprising some 10% of the total workforce).
Under the program, participants who successfully
complete relevant training and/or work preparation
activities are guaranteed employment with Fortescue,
its contractors or service providers.
Started in Port Hedland, VTEC has recently expanded
operations to include Roebourne and Fitzroy Crossing.
Employer:
Fortescue Metals Group
Employee:
John Perry
Age:
36
Role:
Shiploader Operator
Site:
Herb Elliott Port,
Port Hedland
Providing industry leading services in:
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Integrated MineWater Management
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Groundwater Supply
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Dewatering & Depressurisation
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SurfaceWater Control
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Water Systems Engineering
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Groundwater & SurfaceWater Modelling
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Environmental Management
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Project Approvals
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Auditing & Due Diligence
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JOHN PERRY AT HERB ELLIOTT PORT
JOHN PERRY AT HIS HOME
INDIGENOUS
EMPLOYMENT
CASE STUDY