30 Jul 2021

Media release: WA Skills Summit — Oil and gas industry focused on local jobs and training

The voice of the Australian oil and gas industry will today tell the Western Australian Government’s Skills Summit that the oil and gas industry is committed to creating local jobs and training opportunities but fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workers will still be required for some specialised skillsets. 

 

APPEA Western Australian Director Claire Wilkinson said the industry has worked collaboratively with Government, through the LNG Jobs Taskforce, to identify training needs and standardise skills training across the industry. 

 

“Our industry is investing in local training, supporting local jobs and working with the Government to ensure we have the skills to keep the lights on and our mines running,” Ms Wilkinson said. 

 

“When COVID-19 hit, APPEA member companies responded by prioritising local workers and moving interstate workers to Western Australia wherever possible through incentives and relocation packages. 

  

“But despite these efforts in both training local workers and relocating interstate workers to Western Australia, the industry will continue to require specialised skillsets from interstate to maintain the sustainability and safety of our WA operations. 

 

“The oil and gas industry supplies the energy used by WA’s booming mining sector, bringing more jobs and revenue to the state. 

 

“It’s critical that travel and quarantine requirements balance the health and wellbeing of Western Australians while delivering the skills needed for essential industries to continue operating,” she said. 

 

“APPEA looks forward to continuing our work with Government to address these skills challenges and provide the reliable energy, local jobs and regional investment needed to drive Western Australia’s economy.”

 

Read the media release