In exciting news, the BHP FutureFit Academy has been named a finalist in the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards for Excellence alongside its partner training organisations CQUniversity TAFE and North Metropolitan TAFE.

The WFCP Awards recognise leading practices and achievements across global training colleges and polytechnics. The Award ceremony will be held in June in Spain.

The FutureFit Academy was selected from over 100 nominations for its contribution to Indigenous Education.

Head of Learning and Development, Michelle Gibson said having the FutureFit Academy recognised on the world stage is a testament to the team and students – both past and present - who have put inclusion and diversity at the very heart of the FutureFit Academy.

“When first establishing the FutureFit Academy, we set out to dream big and think differently,” Michelle said.

“Our goal was to develop an inclusive learning environment where students and leaders would feel welcomed and supported.

“Two years later, we are seeing greater retention and these results are testament to the strength of the FutureFit Academy’s program and its focus on a supportive culture and developing career pathway,” Michelle said.

Today, the FutureFit Academy has welcomed more than 500 students and graduates with over 80% women and over 20% Indigenous learners.

Peter Heilbuth, Deputy Vice-President (VET), CQUniversity Australia said it’s been a hugely rewarding training partnership to be part of.

“We are especially supportive of the Academy’s commitment to ensuring a more balanced future and workforce for BHP,” Peter said.

“The FutureFit Academy has not only created more regional jobs, but has done so in a way that addresses workplace and social inequities.

“The FutureFit Academy is also an excellent example of how apprenticeships and traineeships can be successfully achieved in ways that move beyond the ‘traditional’ approaches,” Peter said.

Read more about BHP’s FutureFit Academy: https://www.bhp.com/careers/get-to-know-our-business/operations-services/bhp-futurefit-academy