The apprentices, from BMA's Peak Downs and Broadmeadow mines, will be presented with certificates of completion at a ceremony at the Coalfields Training Skills Centre today after completing the classroom training part of the program.

MISC chief executive Derek Hunter said the Work Readiness Program was developed in response to the mining industry's need for an entry-level course for inexperienced employees.

“We identified that there was a significant gap in assisting school leavers and inexperienced personnel to enter the resources sector,” he said.

“The Work Readiness Program is comprised of a number of competencies that involve classroom-based training, onsite training and assessment, and can include a range of simulation-based training.

“By providing these skilling opportunities, the Work Readiness Program is helping us to address the significant skilling challenges currently facing the resource industry."

BMA Peak Downs Mine senior training advisor Kym Frost said that statistically, apprentices and newcomers to the industry are a greater risk to the industry than more experienced employees.

“The Work Readiness Program helps them identify why systems and procedures must be in place and makes them aware of the risks and hazards that they will be facing," Frost said.

“Not only have these apprentices gained a great deal of understanding and experience through participating in the Work Readiness Program, they have had a lot of exposure to our underpinning principles.

“There is a noticeable difference between the onsite performance of these graduates when compared to those who enter the industry through the more traditional methods."