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Maintenance Support Technician - Construction Pathway Program

Applications are closed for 2024. 

Delivered in partnership with BHP, the Maintenance Support Technician - Construction (MST) Pathway Program at Rockingham campus provides Indigenous and/or female participants with the required skills to gain employment in Western Australia’s resources industry.

Students will be employed and paid by Programmed for 16 weeks whilst completing units selected to suit the role of a Maintenance Support Technician with BHP in the Pilbara region. The role performs general maintenance duties alongside trade professionals.  

On completion of the program BHP will interview the successful participants for maintenance support technician roles.

Download the MST Construction Pathway Program flyer  (411 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)

About the program

Course aims

The Maintenance Support Technician - Construction Pathway Program offers participants the opportunity to:

  • foster an understanding of the maintenance Support Technician job role 
  • develop technical and practical skills linked to the job outcomes
  • learn foundation construction principles, use of tools and materials and conduct work within mining villages
  • be part of a recruitment process conducted by BHP at the conclusion of the program

Course: CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways – Building Maintenance Pathway

Duration: 16 weeks full-time (4 days per week)

Dates: Monday 15 July 2024 – Thursday 31 October 2024

Location: Rockingham Campus, Simpson Ave, Rockingham

You will also complete your Construction White Card, a skill set selected from the TLI20421 Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations, including the Forklift licence. 

Applications are closed for 2024, please use the below information as a guide for 2025 applications. 

1. To express your interest or book into an information session, please contact MSTProgram@smtafe.wa.edu.au or contact the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre on 9599 8655 

2. Information Industry Spotlight Sessions will be held at Rockingham Campus Lecture Theatre - learn more about the job role, the training program and submit your resume and application. 

  • Session 1: Tuesday, 30 April 9.30am – 11.00am 
  • Session 2: Thursday, 2 May 10.30am – 12.00pm
  • Session 3: Thursday, 9 May 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Submit an application after attending one of these sessions. The application closing date is Monday 20 May 2024.

3. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview at the Assessment Centre at Rockingham campus. Date to be confirmed. 

4. Programmed will commence on-boarding of successful applicants. Drug and alcohol testing and medical tests will need to be completed prior to final acceptance into the program.

Applicants are required to be either female, or of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent (both male and female) and must be competent in communication and mathematics. These skills are equivalent to completion of Year 10 but may also be achieved through previous work or informal learning experiences. Applicants should demonstrate a good attitude and work ethic.

The course has been developed to mirror the BHP work environment, with workplace language and policies followed. Participants will complete drug and alcohol screening during the training program. Students will receive support from SM TAFE Student Services and the Jobs and Skills engagement officers to provide every opportunity for success.

Why is this program being offered?

This program is designed to improve economic participation and equality in the workforce by increasing female, or of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent (male or female) participation in traditionally male dominated roles in the field of building and maintenance.

What is the duration of the program?

The program runs for 16 weeks (4 days per week- Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs) starting on the Monday 15 July 2024 – Thursday 31 October 2024.

What will I achieve on successful completion of this program?

On successful completion you will receive the following recognised competencies:

  1. CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways
  2. Construction White Card
  3. Partial completion of TLI20421 Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations
  4. Forklift licence 

On completion of this program you are eligible to apply for Maintenance Support Technician job roles with BHP.

What will I learn in the program?

The Maintenance Support Technician Pathway Program typically covers a range of skills and knowledge relevant to the construction industry, particularly focusing on maintenance tasks. Common topics you might expect to learn:

  • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
  • Construction tools and equipment
  • Basic construction techniques
  • Building maintenance
  • Basic carpentry skills
  • Workplace communication and documentation
  • Environmental sustainability

You will also learn relevant skills associated with material logistics management.  Topics include:

  • Identifying and storing goods to specifications
  • Picking and processing orders
  • Participating in stock takes
  • Licence to operate a forklift truck
What are the entry requirements for this program?
  • Applicants must be competent in communication and mathematics equivalent to completion of year 10​
  • Must attend assessment session on 30 May 2024
  • Applicants should demonstrate a good attitude and work ethic​.
  • Bring a passion for learning and a commitment to the construction industry will be advantageous.

How will my application for this program be assessed?

Initially, applications will be short listed by SM TAFE’s Jobs and Skills Centre based on the quality of the application and suitability for the training and job role.  As well as a resume, applicants will be asked to answer some questions with a short-written response.  These responses will help to provide some insight into personal qualities, achievements, experiences and the underlying reasons for applying for the Program. 

How much will this course cost me?

There is no cost for the training program.  BHP provide fully funded scholarships to successful applicants which covers tuition and resource fees. You will also be supplied with all PPE, including safety boots. Programmed will pay successful applicants to attend the training days across the 16 week program.

What are the important dates for this program?
  1. Book into an Information Session at MSTProgram@smtafe.wa.edu.au  

    • Session 1: Tuesday, 30 April 9.30am – 11.00am
    • Session 2: Thursday, 2 May 10.30am – 12.00pm
    • Session 3: Thursday, 9 May 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Held at SM TAFE’s Rockingham Campus Lecture Theatre - learn more about the job role, the training program and submit your resume and application.

  1. Apply by emailing MSTPrograms@smtafe.wa.edu.au  Application closing date: Monday 20 May 2024
  2. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre at Rockingham campus on Thursday 30 May 2024
  3. Programmed will commence on-boarding of applicants. Drug and alcohol testing and medical tests to be completed prior to final acceptance into the program.
 Who can apply for this program?

To be eligible to apply for the program applicants must:

  • be a person who identifies as female, or of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent (male or female)
  • be a Western Australian resident and an Australian citizen; or
  • be a permanent visa holder or holder of an eligible visa sub-class as outlined in the Department’s VET Fees and Charges Policy 2023.
  • commence training on Monday 15 July 2024
  • undertake their course at South Metropolitan TAFE, Rockingham Campus.
  • be physically fit and be able to pass a medical and drug and alcohol test.

Are there any support services available for Indigenous participants?

Yes, we offer various support services, including cultural mentoring, academic assistance, and access to community resources. Our goal is to ensure that all participants feel valued and supported throughout your learning journey.

Further information 

Email the scholarships team on MSTProgram@smtafe.wa.edu.au or contact the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre on 9599 8655.