Apprenticeship Intake 2026 - Blackwater Mine

This is your opportunity to join our Blackwater Operation’s 2026 Apprentices’ Program!

Whitehaven’s Blackwater Mining Operation is thrilled to announce the commencement of our 2026 apprenticeship program! This is your chance to kickstart a rewarding career in the mining industry with one of Australia's leading coal producers. We're offering fixed term, four-year contracts in the following trades, whilst delivering these qualifications:

• Boiler making         (Certificate III Engineering - Fabrication)
• Diesel Fitters          (Certificate III Engineering - Mechanical)
• Mechanical Fitters (Certificate III Engineering - Mechanical Trade)
• Auto Electrical       (Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology)
• Electrical                (Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrical)

Start Date: January 2026

Location: Blackwater region (these are site-based roles)

What You'll Bring:

To be successful in this role, the following selection criteria is what we’re seeking:

• Teamwork: ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Commitment to Training / Development: dedication to on the-job and off the job training
• Safety Awareness: have a strong regard / aptitude for safety and hazard identification
• Problem Solving Skills: ability to solve problems, demonstrate your professional reliability, display the ability to work autonomously and show a strong commitment to this apprenticeship opportunity.

About Blackwater Mine:

Situated 73 km south east of Emerald, Blackwater Mine is the second largest open cut metallurgical coal mine in the Bowen Basin. This long-life operation began in 1967 and has grown to become one of the longest coal mines in the Southern Hemisphere, with a strike length of 80 km. Blackwater extracts high quality metallurgical and thermal coal for the export market using truck, shovel, loader and dragline.

About Whitehaven:

Whitehaven is proud to be the leading Australian ASX listed producer of premium quality coal. We currently operate six mines (five open cut and one large underground mine) in the Gunnedah Coal Basin, NSW and Bowen Basin, QLD. We are excited to grow our QLD operations across Blackwater Mine and Daunia in the Bowen Basin.

What's in it for You?

• Industry Skills and Experience: gain real industry skills and experience with Whitehaven
• Trade Qualification: complete a certificate III trade qualification
• Mentorship: work alongside skilled tradespeople to develop your skills
• Career Opportunities: potential for ongoing roles with Whitehaven upon completion
• Support: receive ongoing mentoring and support from onsite teams
• Paid Work: earn while you learn with paid work while you study.

How to Apply:

To apply for this role, click the ‘Apply for this job’ button and follow the steps to complete your application. Ensure you include a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Need Assistance?

If you require assistance with the recruitment process eg completing forms, interviews or completing online tests, please contact your Recruitment Business Partner at Whitehaven Hsearle@whitehavencoal.com.au We are happy to provide any assistance you may need. We look forward to hearing from you.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: 9th May 2025
• Contact: Anthony Orth at anthony.orth@whitehavencoal.com.au

Next Steps:

After submitting your online application, you may be invited to complete online testing, interviews, and pre-employment medicals. We'll contact your references if you progress through these recruitment stages. Please be sure to check your emails (including your junk folder) and respond to missed phone calls, voicemail messages, and text messages during this time.

Join us at Whitehaven and secure your future in the Australian Mining Industry!