Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort of Apprentices through the Fortescue Trade Training Centre, skilled to take up positions at operational sites across the Pilbara.

The latest class of graduates will be key to delivering Fortescue's world leading decarbonisation strategy to eliminate emissions which was released at United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

Joined by Western Australian Premier, the Hon. Mark McGowan MLA, Fortescue's Chief Operating Officer Iron Ore, Dino Otranto, congratulated the 60 graduates, including 16 women, at an official ceremony in Perth.

'Each one of you will play a vital role in turning Fortescue green and helping other companies like ours to follow,' Mr Otranto said.

'Fortescue is committed to providing training and employment pathways for the next generation of our workforce to help build a pipeline of diverse talent across our operations.

'Greater diversity leads to better outcomes for Fortescue and the communities in which we live and work. I am pleased that almost half of this year's cohort are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, demonstrating Fortescue's commitment to providing employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians.'

Fortescue's Apprenticeship Program provides Apprentices the opportunity to grow and develop both their skills and knowledge during a four-year structured Apprenticeship Program.

Since it was established in 2011, 240 apprentices have graduated and gone on to commence employment with Fortescue. The program consists of a range of trade streams including Electricians, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technicians, Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanics, Fixed Plant Fitters, Heavy Fabricators, Automotive Electricians, Light Vehicle Mechanics and Service Persons.

Premier Mark McGowan said the State Government had invested significantly to revitalise WA's training sector, with record numbers of Western Australians now engaged in apprenticeships.

'I congratulate today's graduates on their achievements and commend Fortescue for its commitment to local training. My Government looks forward to continuing to work with industry to enable more Western Australians to take up these valuable opportunities.'

Graduate Michelle Howson, who has already commenced as an Electrician at our Chichester Operations, was named Fortescue's Apprentice of the Year at the graduation ceremony.

'I absolutely loved participating in the program. It has been great getting exposure to different departments which has allowed me to try things I would not normally do,' she said.

'My advice to future apprentices is to be a sponge and ask plenty of questions, make sure you have a good work ethic and give everything a go.'

Fortescue's Apprenticeship Program complements other initiatives already in place, including Fortescue's pioneering Vocational Training and Education Centre and Trade Up programs, which provide sustainable career development opportunities for Aboriginal and female team members.

Contact:

Fortescue Head Office

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd

Level 2 87 Adelaide Terrace

East Perth WA 6004

Australia

Telephone: +61 8 6218 8888

Facsimile: +61 8 6218 8880

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