Glencore Coal has opened its 2026 First Nations Pathways Program (FNPP) for Indigenous job seekers with ties to land near Glencore's Queensland and New South Wales sites.

This year's program begins in May, with the 26-week paid education and training initiative helping participants develop job-readiness skills, gain experience and expand their knowledge with new challenges in the mining industry.

2025 Queensland graduate Ceah Talonga said participating in last year's program gave her experience and confidence to seek a career in resources.

"The program is designed for us and is great opportunity to get your foot in the mining door," she said.

"I'm upskilling, and creating a better life for myself and my family."

Fellow graduate Denielle Delacoeur said mutual support from participants created a positive environment across the 26-week program.

"You can rely on one another, help each other, support one another," she said.

Glencore First Nations program coordinator Carrie Bendeich said the program had a track record providing opportunities for First Nations people to be job-ready for employment in the sector.

"Now in its eighth year, the FNPP continues to deliver life-changing outcomes, with many graduates securing ongoing employment by the end of the program," she said.

"That success has also come full circle, with some former participants returning as mentors for new FNPP cohorts."

The program equipped participants with practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications.

"Every year we look forward to meeting keen applicants who are ready to build a career path and achieve their goals, to set themselves up for the future," Ms Bendeich said.

Successful applicants undergo a 26-week program delivered in two phases across Glencore Coal operations in the Queensland Bowen Basin and the Hunter Valley in NSW.

Once completed, participants would have fulfilled requirements to obtain a Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations, as well as gained employment skills and industry experience.

The program is held once a year and involved onsite, offsite and classroom training, with support from Indigenous mentors, health and wellbeing coaching and career guidance.

Candidates must live in or have connection to areas where Glencore operates mines, in the Bowen Basin in Queensland and the Upper Hunter Valley in NSW. Traditional Owners within those areas are encouraged to apply.

Applications close Friday, 20 February. More information is available online.