Aboriginal Training and Liaison (ATAL) program
The popular and highly successful Aboriginal Training and Liaison (ATAL) program is back in 2024.
The ATAL Program is a work ready training program for Traditional Owners and Pilbara Aboriginal People which supports participants to develop skills and access employment opportunities.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The program aims to equip participants with skills for ongoing employment in diverse job sectors and industries, tailoring its approach to meet each individual's unique needs and aspirations.
ATAL comprises of an 18-week work readiness training, with the first 6 weeks outside of the gate, leading to 12 weeks inside the gate for those participants looking for a role within Rio Tinto. At the competition of the 18 weeks, participants can transition to ATAL-nominated roles and receive continued support during their employment.
The 2024 program will begin accepting expressions of interest from 6 May 2024, with the program commencing in late July.
For more information about ATAL, please contact ATAL@riotinto.com
This unique program is a collaboration between Rio Tinto and Traditional Owners for employment initiatives, featuring a comprehensive work-ready program connecting participants to both Rio Tinto and non-Rio Tinto job opportunities. The dedicated team facilitates candidate coordination, linking them to various employment avenues, ensuring a seamless pipeline of skilled individuals to roles within or outside of Rio Tinto. This new iteration of ATAL has been co-designed in collaboration with the Traditional Owner groups we work with in the Pilbara and are members of the Regional Implementation Committee.
Meet Asharnti
Asharnti is a Ngarluma Traditional Owner who grew up in Karratha. She joined the program to build her confidence and her goal is to gain her drivers licence and full-time employment with Rio Tinto, on Country. She aspires to become a leader and a role model.
When asked how she would describe the program in one sentence, she said “it’s just amazing, a real eye opener and they have shown us every little bit around mining”. Asharnti says she “would recommend to as many people as she could, it’s just amazing, it’s just really good”. Asharnti has been offered an Engineering and Fabrication Apprenticeship with Rio Tinto and will commence in February 2024.
“ATAL was a great opportunity for us and we've enjoyed working for Rio Tinto for more than 20 years since we joined the program - we're glad to hear it's coming back so other people will benefit."
Supervisor Utilities Quentin Stevens and Fitter Utilities Kevin Guiness work at Cape Lambert.
A Day in the Life of …. Kaltern Guinness
Kaltern began his Rio journey with the Aboriginal Training and Liaison (ATAL) program in 2023 and, since graduating, is moving full steam ahead towards his goal of becoming train driver.
Discover what a day in the life of an ATAL graduate looks like.
