Boys immersed in mining

Yancoal is a national sponsor of The Clontarf Foundation through its Community Support Program, aiming to make a positive difference in communities and the lives of the people who work and live in the areas it operates.

The Clontarf Foundation helps to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

Wearing high-vis and safety gear, 27 boys were taken on a tour of the mobile workshop and into the open cut pit to experience life at the coalface and to gain an insight into a possible future career in the resources sector.

Premier Coal operations manager Jim Falconer welcomed the opportunity to show off the mine and demonstrated a range of trades and opportunities available.

"The boys are developing solid skills on the program through education, mentoring and their peer support," he said.

"We are proud to be involved with the Clontarf team and pleased we can offer a hands-on experience to open their minds to a possible career in mining.

"Our team get a lot from having the boys on site and we are strongly committed to ongoing support and involvement with the Clontarf Foundation."

The boys were hosted by three of Premier Coal's indigenous workforce who shared their experiences and what journey they took to get to where they are now.

The boys then had the opportunity to ask questions and hear about the Premier Coal Apprenticeship Program.

The Clontarf Foundation Newton Moore Academy director Boyd Davey said one of the boys expressed interest in pursuing work experience afterwards.

"It was a great day for the boys to see what employment opportunities are in the region and to build their social skills," he said.

The Clontarf Foundation Katanning Academy director Matthew Rea said it was a great experience.

"It's not often they (the boys) get the chance to visit a mine site, let alone observe the size of the equipment," he said.