Exciting opportunities supporting Mineral Resources’ (MinRes) Onslow Iron project await Clontarf Foundation alumnus Jarod Bridge as he builds his career in mining.
Jarod completed the Clontarf program at Sevenoaks Senior College in Cannington and through MinRes’ partnership with Clontarf he’s now settling in to the fly-in, fly-out lifestyle.
The Clontarf Foundation exists to encourage and support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to attend school, finish Year 12 and enter employment.
Growing up, Jarod wasn’t sure where he wanted to take his career and says Clontarf was pivotal in exposing him to new opportunities available through its relationships with different companies.
"When I finished school, I worked at Kmart for three months before getting a job with Qantas, where I stayed for three years. Clontarf helped me get both jobs,” Jarod said.
In 2020 when COVID hit, he moved into a storeperson role with Wallis Drilling. After being in this role for a few years, he decided it was time for a new challenge and set out applying for positions with a range of companies.
“I was a bit unsure about working FIFO at first, but I got some advice that if you can stick out the first three swings, you’re set to go. I’m glad I did and working at MinRes, everyone works together and it feels like family,” Jarod said.
“Even though I’ve finished school, I stay in contact with the Clontarf team and they always check in to see how things are going.”
“It makes me feel good that MinRes has a partnership with Clontarf as it has really helped me get where I am today.”
As part of the Onslow Iron team, Jarod is supporting MinRes’ transition to low-cost, long-life iron ore operations. In May 2024, the project achieved first ore on ship ahead of schedule and focus now turns to safely and efficiently ramping-up production to 35Mtpa.
The Clontarf Foundation was launched in 2000 by inaugural Fremantle Dockers coach Gerard Neesham with a single academy in Perth. Today, it operates 150 academies embedded within 160 schools across Australia and supports more than 11,000 students.
The organisation uses supportive relationships, a welcoming environment and a diverse range of activities to improve self-esteem and confidence to assist academy members to participate in education, employment and society in a positive way.
In 2023, MinRes announced a partnership with the Clontarf Foundation with a three-year commitment to support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to achieve their full potential.
The partnership provides funding to help Clontarf academies operate and grow, while supporting employment pathways for the young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men living in communities where the two organisations coexist.
For more information, head to the Clontarf Foundation website.
