Trinnity follows in family footsteps by graduating CQU and BHP program
By Greg Chapman
The mining industry might be in Trinnity McKeiver’s blood, but the skills, knowledge and determination she’s acquired during CQUniversity’s and BHP’s FutureFit Academy (BHP FFA) program will inspire many generations to come.
The FutureFit Academy is BHP's innovative approach to training with a pathway to a career in maintenance with fit-for-purpose training programs in dedicated learning centres in Perth, Western Australia and Mackay, Queensland.
Trinnity graduated in a ceremony in Mackay this week, the latest in a long line of McKeiver family members to join the ranks of BHP.
“I feel very excited about graduating and my accomplishments. I’m ready to see what’s next for my future with BHP,” Trinnity said.
“I have a few family members currently working with BHP. Both my dad and grandfather have employment history with BHP. My dad currently works at Saraji mine near Dysart.
“My great-grandfather was a boilermaker at BHP and a member of the Queensland Mines Rescue in Blackwater, so to be given this opportunity to follow in (their) footsteps is great.”
Employed as a Trainee Maintenance Associate, Trinnity said she was ecstatic to finally complete the Certificate II in Engineering Technology as part of the BHP FFA program.
“The training I received during this program was very beneficial. The combination of the theory in classes with learning in the workshop made it really interesting,” she said.
“The trainers are very helpful and shared many stories about their previous experiences and time working on site.
“Living on-campus was great. I’ve made some great friends and gained relevant tickets along the way – I’ve got a dogging ticket, elevated working platform, forklift and a white card. After commencing, I needed some extra help with maths – and the support I received was relevant and beneficial, and the teachers were so helpful.”
Trinnity said she will soon relocate to Western Australia to work on a BHP site.
“I will apply the knowledge gained during my traineeship to obtain more experience and then get a trade qualification to further my skills,” she said.
“People should consider this program if they’re looking to develop their career especially with BHP being one of the biggest mine companies in the world with great job security. I also think that doing the studies coupled with the practical training in a workshop environment is really useful because you get to see how the knowledge is applied.”
The BHP FutureFit Academy has welcomed more than 1300 students with more than 80 per cent women and more than 20 per cent First Nations participants. In 2022, the program won a bronze award at the prestigious World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards for Excellence under the Indigenous Education category.
Learn more at the BHP FutureFit Academy website.
