For Workplaces

The intention of the Academy is to create a work ready, local, entry-level cohort for the pastoral workforce. Employing a stationhand from the Academy is an exciting opportunity to be supported as you contribute both to the growth of a young person in your industry, and the development of future local workforce.

The Academy recognises that achieving a career in the pastoral industry requires significant commitment from both the individual and their employers. The Academy provides tailored support, training and investment, to both stationhands and employers, to assist in achieving career longevity.

How does the Academy prepare stationhands for employment?

The Academy partners with two local Indigenous organisations, Nyamba Buru Yawuru and East Kimberley Job Pathways, who deliver comprehensive 5-week pre-employment training tailored for the pastoral industry.

During the pre-employment recruitment and training the focus is ensuring that participants are ‘work ready’.

This includes;

• Ensuring they have an understanding of what working and living on a pastoral station is like, have the right attitude and willingness to give it a go, and have support from family to pursue this career.
• Mentoring and coaching to build communication skills, confidence and personal resilience.
• Industry training to be able to work safely under supervision when handling and caring for livestock, maintaining and repairing fencing, checking and maintaining water points, changing tyres and undertaking pre-start checks.
• Ensuring required personal and financial documentation is obtained before commencing employment.
• Ensuring participants have required clothing, PPE and other kit before commencing employment.

The Academy, via the KPCA, works with industry to transition those who successfully complete the pre-employment training into employment as first year stationhands. As required, the Academy will organise a Welcome to Country to ensure the stationhand feels culturally safe in their new workplace.

How does the Academy support employers?

The Academy recognises that employing an inexperienced stationhand requires significant investment by the employer in training and supervision. The Academy seeks to support employers in these areas by providing the following;

• Direct engagement with the Academy coordinator and stationhand mentor to address any emerging issues.
• A training bursary is attached to each stationhand to assist with further training in high-risk or essential workplace skills.
• Supervising staff provided training opportunities in cultural awareness, mental health and leadership, inclusive of one to one mentoring and coaching opportunities.
• Assisting workplaces to meet all WHS and HR obligations.

Please note, that while the Academy provides financial assistance in the form of the training bursary, the Academy will not subsidise the cost of employing the stationhand. If the stationhand is eligible for any wage subsidy programs, the Academy will inform the employer.

Where can I find out more?

If you’re a station owner or manager who is keen to bolster their workforce, get in touch to talk about how you can be involved and supported through the Aboriginal Pastoral Academy.

Email Lauren Bell at workforce@kpca.net.au or use the contact form to get in touch