Australian Potash Ltd (ASX:APC) has received a $250,000 Regional Economic Development (RED) grant from the Western Australian Government for its Laverton Training Centre (LTC), which has been recognised as one of the Goldfields' leading community development initiatives.
The company says the LTC reflects its commitment to serving and developing the Laverton community.
APC's training centre is now pursuing charitable status registration to support its efforts to produce a multi-generational impact, with the aim of improving economic capacity within Aboriginal communities.
“Not just a box-ticking exercise”
“The LTC is based on the successful training program piloted at Wiluna over four years, which is centred on working with local families to support people transitioning into training and employment, while maintaining cultural and family priorities and obligations,” Australian Potash managing director and CEO Matt Shackleton said.
“This is not just a box-ticking exercise for APC. We are genuinely committed to having a positive social impact in our communities through authentic and effective environmental, social and corporate governance.
“Our local Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Sarah Sullivan has been working with families to find out what trainees need to transition into training programs and what ongoing support they require to successfully complete their training programs.
“Combining strong social responsiveness and high levels of consultation with industry and local employers has helped us to create a network of support for the training programs.”
The RED grant will fund the improvement of key facilities at the LTC and will also be applied to purchase vehicles to provide transport for trainees.
Laverton Training Centre is an adult vocational training hub that will be run in conjunction with Central Regional TAFE Kalgoorlie campus, with the goal of assisting Aboriginal people in overcoming the hurdles to accessing formal training and providing them with valuable qualifications.
Nurturing tomorrow’s workforce
“A well-trained and committed local Aboriginal workforce will be a huge asset to Ranger programs in the Goldfields and local employers such as APC, and surrounding gold, nickel and rare earths producers, and bring enormous economic benefit to remote communities,” Shackleton continued.
“It is gratifying to see our efforts recognised and supported by the Minister’s Department of Regional Development and the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission.
“We are thankful for their early encouragement and of course, generous ongoing support through the RED grant.”
The LTC will start training its first cohort of students today, Monday, February 28, 2022, with two classes of 12 students, at full capacity.
Students will undertake units in Certificate II Rural Operations. Skills learnt through the LTC are applicable to the Aboriginal Ranger program overseen by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
About Australian Potash
Australian Potash holds a 100% interest in the Lake Wells Sulphate of Potash, which is about 500 kilometres northeast of Kalgoorlie, in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields.
The Lake Wells Project will be a long life, low capital, and high margin sulphate of potash (SOP) producer.
K-Brite is a registered trademark brand of the company, representing the premium SOP to be produced from Lake Wells.