Fremantle Commercial Diving is proud to support Indigenous participation through an award-winning Indigenous Engagement Program focused on meaningful training, long-term employment pathways and skills development in highly specialised fields.

The program, first launched in 2016 in partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, created Australia’s first Indigenous Commercial Diving Cadetship. Developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders, the program was designed to go beyond entry-level employment by investing heavily in training, mentoring and career development from the outset.

The first cadet successfully completed commercial diving training, achieved full accreditation as a Part 2 Commercial Diver and went on to work across a range of diving projects throughout Australia, including multiple major mining sites. After several years with FCD, the experience and qualifications gained through the program supported his transition into a Perth-based role with a leading global mining company.

Building on this success, FCD has continued to evolve the program beyond commercial diving to include robotics, workshop and operational pathways. The second cadet commenced a Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations in 2022, funded by FCD, and completed the qualification in 2024. Since then, he has continued to build specialist capability across the business, qualifying as a VLC Operator, Robot Pilot and HR Truck Driver, and now works full-time as a Robotic Operator.

This progression reflects the original intent of the program: to create genuine career pathways by providing practical training, industry exposure and long-term support in areas where specialist skills are in high demand.

Our Indigenous Engagement Program has been recognised by BHP through its Contractor HSE and Community Awards for demonstrating leadership and initiative in enhancing safety, community, health and environmental outcomes. The program was also recognised as a finalist in the Australian Water Association Program Innovation Awards as an initiative driving organisational change and improved community outcomes.

At FCD, we remain committed to expanding Indigenous Engagement within mining and are actively exploring further opportunities to support Indigenous participation across employment, training and business engagement. This includes pathways for future cadets as well as broader opportunities to engage Indigenous-owned businesses through the sourcing of goods and services.