Pilbara Kimberley University Centres Marks Milestone with 50 New Graduates

Fifty regional students were honoured by the Pilbara Kimberley University Centres at a September 6 ceremony at the Red Earths Art Precinct for their achievement in completing their qualifications. The graduates, who studied across six different educational institutions, achieved a wide range of qualifications, from Certificate IVs and enabling programs to bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and master’s degrees. Notably, among the graduates were Indigenous students who completed a Certificate IV in Leadership and Mentoring. This course was part of a pilot program co-designed by PKUC and Trainwest, aimed at offering locally contextualized education to Indigenous employees of Rio Tinto and the broader community. Traditionally, this Certificate IV required travel to Perth for completion. However this year’s cohort is among the first to benefit from face-to-face training at the Karratha PKUC Study Hub, reflecting the program’s commitment to local accessibility. Approximately half of the graduates are employed in Pilbara industries, having pursued courses to enhance their skills in project management, asset maintenance and management, and rail infrastructure engineering. For these professionals, the educational experience has provided valuable context and insight into their current roles, boosting their ability to excel, and fuelling their career development. The 2024 graduates include new nurses, teachers, and social workers, all stepping into essential roles as health professionals, educators, and industry specialists in the region. Melissa Cotterell, who completed a Master of Social Work, was awarded the PKUC Dux for being the highest academic achiever of the 2024 cohort. Additionally, Tracey Blanket received the PKUC Community Spirit Award for her exceptional support of fellow students during her completion of the Certificate IV in Leadership and Mentoring. CEO of PKUC Susan Grylls highlighted the organisation’s commitment to regional education. “We are partnering with universities, RTOs, and local industry stakeholders to deliver courses which will upskill existing workforces and address regional skills shortages, Ms Grylls said. “PKUC’s commitment to the equity of access to education in the regions is critical to ensuring remoteness does not equal disadvantage.” The organisation currently supports 499 students across five study hubs located in Karratha, Port Hedland, Tom Price, Onslow, and Broome. Beyond tertiary education, the centre also manages initiatives such as the Santos-sponsored STEM in SPORT Science Research Project, which involves local high school students and athletes, and the Chevron Community English Program for migrants. The graduation of these 50 students represents not just individual achievement but a broader enhancement of educational and professional opportunities within the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.