Career pathways in mining have opened for eight Kariyarra trainees who recently graduated from the inaugural Kariyarra Work Ready program.

The BHP program in partnership with Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation was designed to bolster social and economic outcomes by creating employment pathways for Kariyarra people with no prior mining experience.

All graduates now hold a nationally-recognised Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation.

Graduate Eugene Park thanked BHP for kickstarting his career journey through the work ready program.

"I am grateful to the whole Finucane Island Production Services A/C crew for giving me a go," he said.

Kariyarra Elder Alfred Barker said the program was developed specifically for Kariyarra people.

"I'm very proud of all the graduates, this is only the beginning," he said.

BHP Port Production manager Vera Dwyer expressed her pride in the program and its graduates, some of who have accepted roles at the miner's Port Hedland operations.

"Listening to the journey we've been on to get here today … and the passion of our partners to work together in meaningful ways, is truly inspiring," she said.

BHP Work Ready coordinator Shanna Stroud said Traditional Owner businesses were engaged to support the program, as the company wanted to deliver a program that was culturally safe.

"Thanks to Kariyarra Nyiyaparli business, Yarnda Group, who supported us with labour hire and onboarding, and Pilbara Traditional Owner business, Yalagan Group, who supported us with training," she said.

The Kariyarra Work Ready Program will run again this year.