Media Release - Izaiha Humphries Aboriginal traineeship

Described by his colleagues as hard working and eager to learn, Bunbury 18-year-old Izaiha Humphries is one of 12 Aboriginal trainees currently completing a traineeship with Water Corporation.

The Manea Senior College graduate began his two-year Certificate III qualification in Water Industry Operations in January this year after completing school-based work experience at Water Corporation’s Bunbury depot.

The budding football and basketball player said he enjoyed the practical side of learning, which includes testing water quality, repairing and installing water services and maintaining water catchments.

“I have a couple of family members that work here which has made it easy and I like doing the hands on work like digging down to the pipes and fixing them,” Izaiha said.

“After my traineeship, I hope to get a full-time gig with Water Corporation – it’s a good industry, they have good mentors and everyone has your back.”

Water Corporation offers Certificate II and III qualifications in Water Industry Operations, Certificate III in Business and Certificate IV in Hydrography.

As part of its 2019-21 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – aimed at improving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – Water Corporation has pledged to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to a workforce target of six per cent by 2021.

Water Corporation South West Regional Manager John Janssen said the career entry program encouraged Aboriginal youth to see the water industry as a worthwhile and challenging career path.

“Water Corporation is proud to offer exciting and meaningful traineeship opportunities throughout the State, which align to our ultimate goal of creating true reconciliation and a unified Western Australia,” he said.

Water Corporation employs more than 2,700 people to deliver water, wastewater and drainage services across 2.6 million square kilometres to more than two million Western Australians.