Spencer Institute of TAFE's Port Augusta campus saw nine students from the Riverland enrol in their new mine simulation program last week.
Currently the program is open to all students, however the nine who have most recently graduated were funded through the state and federal governments’ Labour Market Transition Program under the drought relief banner.
Previously having held positions in the farming and agriculture sector, the nine Riverland students are the first intake for the Labour Market Transition Program.
Further supported by the Riverland Development Corporation, the Labour Market Transition Program is aimed at training drought-affected people in industries that they can make a transition into.
RDC economic development officer Barb Cowey said the effects of the drought were being felt hard in the agriculture area of the Riverland at present.
"The RDC are working with the community to help provide the opportunity for people who are self or unemployed to access drought relief funding,” Mrs Cowey said.
"That's why we're here supporting the nine today."
At present, the RDC has more than 250 people listed as waiting for assistance from the drought relief package.
Inevitably a substantial amount of those listed will be redirected into the mining sector through training with TAFE's simulator.
Member for Stuart Graham Gunn is pleased with the beginnings of the Labour Market Transition Program but warns that it is not only the mining sector that is in need of employees.
The training facility in Port Augusta will however undoubtedly bring revenue into the city, said Mr Gunn.
"Provided free" by TAFE for those who are eligible under the criteria of the drought response team, the simulator course has skilled nine otherwise "green" Riverland students, opening many path ways for future employment in the mining sector.
The nine students graduated last Friday from the course and will now seek out further development and employment in the mining industry.
CAPTION FOR PICTURE.....
GRADUATION: Students and lecturers present at Friday's graduation were Back: Mark Fuller, Russell Watkins, Steve Abrock, Ray Gill, Shaun Strother, Sharna Dermont. Middle: Philip Strike, David Noack, Craig Duffield, Dean Webb, David Waters. Front: Brendon Dodd and Barb Cowey.