BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has welcomed 56 new local apprentices at a ceremony at the Coalfield Training Excellence Centre in Moranbah.

“For BMA to continue being a valued part of Central Queensland we need to ensure it has successful, sustainable and vibrant communities, and our apprenticeship program is one of the key ways that we are investing in this region’s future,” BMA asset president James Palmer said.

BMA said it was the largest intake in years and a significant increase on the 41 starters last year.

This year’s cohort features apprentices from across the region including 12 apprentices from Moranbah, 12 from greater Mackay, five from the Rockhampton region, four from Blackwater, four from Dysart and a further seven from Central and North Queensland.

The trades represented in the new cohort include electricians, diesel fitters, auto-electricians, mechanical fitters and boilermakers.

The apprentices completed a six-week work readiness program at the Coalfield Training Excellence Centre prior to commencing at mines throughout the Bowen Basin today.

BMA is partnering with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, CQ University and the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network in the delivery of its apprenticeship program.