The role of the Birra mentors at Pilbara Institute specifically and elsewhere generally is to support people, particularly indigenous, in the transition from training into the work force. Birra is in a unique position that it can follow individuals and support them throughout both phases. Pre-training
Before accessing training, individuals register with a job register organisation such as Ashburto
n Aboriginal Corporation. AAC find suitable training for its clients to move them towards work readiness. Birra staff has established relationships with many of these clients already, and are in a position to assist them, in conjunction with AAC, when considering what training they may like to undertake so that they can achieve the employment outcome they desire on completion of their training. Birra regularly have positions available to them across a number of industries. During training
The mentors assist students in class when they are having difficulty completing and understanding the course work. The mentors liaise weekly with Pilbara Institute lecturers to establish the needs of their particular class each week. This enables students to progress at a more even rate whilst freeing up the lecturer to give attention elsewhere as needed. While mentors are in class, they have the opportunity to identify people who would be suitable for positions that are open for Birra. Assistance can be given to these candidates out of class in the form of preparing them for employment by getting necessary documentation, setting up job interviews and advising them on what specific steps need to be taken to gain employment. Absenteeism has historically been an issue with running course at the Pilbara Institute. The mentors have consulted with PI and AAC to set up a Retention Program to improve attendance. Each morning the mentor establish who is missing from classes and makes contact with the missing students to encourage them to get to class and reinforce the benefits of completing qualifications and their responsibilities in attending training. Employment
Birra has long running business relationships with Cameco, Newcrest Mining Ltd, ESS, Pilbara Logistics, Martu Trust, ACCO and more recently the Accor Group through the ibis Styles Hotel in Port Hedland. We have established relationships all of the communities Western Desert and many in the Kimberleys and have a strong repour with WDLAC, Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Trust and with departmental groups such as ICC and DEEWR. This has resulted in success based around finding suitable employees to fill available positions. Mentors are able to assist prospective employees with pre-employment paperwork and formalities such as medicals and police clearances. A mentor helps to ease the anxiety that can comes with starting a new job. Birra mentors provide a familiar face to contact at times where a new employee may have difficulty communicating with people in a new work place. As employees settle in, Birra mentors continue to support employees to develop the skills necessary for staying in employment. Over the past 10 weeks Birra mentors have commenced the student retention program, helped numerous students in class, assisted one individual in accessing full time employment, assisted several others in finding casual work, supported another in his long-term position, taken over the lunch pick-up run and developed a good rapport with students and lecturers.
