A strong cohort of 12 trainees was selected from 37 applicants to undertake the APA 2023 pre‑employment training program. The first week of the program was undertaken in Broome after which the trainees decamped to Roebuck Plains Station for eight weeks, with some incredible program outcomes achieved, including:
- Eleven trainees graduated from the 2023 pre-employment training program
- Five of the graduate trainees are now working as APA station hands at Roebuck Plains Station, two at Myroodah Station and two at Napier Downs Station
- Two APA station hands who were placed on Myroodah Station in 2022 have returned for their second season
On their first regular catch-up visit with the APA station hands at Napier Downs Station, the APA Coordinator (KPCA) and APA Mentor (NBY) were able to watch-on as the Napier crew received livestock handling training. The Napier crew had previously participated in a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by the local Traditional Owners, arranged in conjunction with the APA to help settle the APA station hands and bring the crew together.