Fortescue Metals : empowering aspiring Aboriginal leaders

"At Fortescue, we believe it is critically important to support the next generation of Aboriginal leaders. By helping young and aspiring Aboriginal people challenge the status quo and take positive steps towards becoming our future business leaders, we are making a positive impact on Aboriginal communities," Mr Power said.

A recent graduate of Fortescue's Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) program, Valma Papertalk is a Hedland local who tragically lost her partner, a valued Fortescue employee and father of her three children, late last year. Ms Papertalk joined Mr Power today as the December 2015 Quarterly Production Report was released.

"Valma has faced challenges many of us could not imagine but, in true Fortescue spirit, it is her positive attitude, commitment to succeed and dedication to her family that saw her accept a hand up, not a hand out. She is an inspiration to me, her fellow workmates, her family and community."

Ms Papertalk said she was excited to shadow Mr Power for the day and experience the pace of being a CEO.

"Right now I feel like I'm only at the beginning of my career and to have the opportunity to work alongside Nev and the executive team is both inspiring and motivating. I'm keen to learn as much as I can from the experience about the business and what it takes to be a leader," she said.

"I want to tell my story to others and prove that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard," she said.

Fortescue is a leader in its commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal people through training, employment and Aboriginal business development. This is evidenced through VTEC, which offers training and subsequent employment with Fortescue and Trade Up, which provides a pathway for Aboriginal employees into an apprenticeship. Fortescue's direct Aboriginal employment continued at 13 per cent at the end of the December 2015 quarter, with more than 1000 Aboriginal people employed by Fortescue and our contractors.

Ms Papertalk gained work experience and an income through Fortescue's Aboriginal engagement program, before going on to complete VTEC's 12 week course. She is now in full time employment at Fortescue's Herb Elliot Port in a Civil Operator role and sees this as just the beginning of her career.

High resolution photos available on request.

Luke Forrestal, +61 411 479 144, mediarelations@fmgl.com.au