Launched in 2025, the program offers two cadet pathways – deck and engine – and provides a clear, structured pathway for aspiring mariners to gain technical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience.
Each cadet receives financial support and the opportunity to gain essential sea service on MinRes and other marine operators’ vessels, facilitated by MinRes, in pursuit of formal maritime qualifications.
MinRes’ marine operation plays a central role in the Onslow Iron project by ferrying iron ore from the Port of Ashburton to ocean going vessels anchored 40km offshore and is now the largest marine company in the country, with 17 Australian-flagged vessels in its fleet.
The inaugural Cadet Program intake attracted more than 100 applications, with five successful candidates – Deck Cadets Ryah Carrigg, Corey Chalmers and Thomas Cuthbert and Engine Cadets Blake Marriott and Claudia McGrath, who credited the program for her development.
“My pathway into maritime engineering wasn’t straightforward, so MinRes’ support towards the end of my sea time and training requirements is helping me progress to the next stage of my career,” McGrath said.
“The opportunities provided by MinRes have been enjoyable, particularly because of the facilities and crews that make each vessel feel like home – one of the biggest highlights was being involved in the new build program for the MinRes Chieftain and MinRes Karri.”
Corey Chalmers, Claudia McGrath, Thomas Cuthbert
Since the program’s inception, the inaugural cohort has spent more than 600 days at sea, including time on MinRes’ transhippers, international voyages on cruise ships and delivery voyages for MinRes’ recent tug deliveries from China.
When not on the water, cadets are stationed at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania or the South Metropolitan TAFE in Fremantle.
Deck Cadet Thomas Cuthbert said the program had opened doors and made a career at sea more accessible.
“The program has taken me to 29 countries so far this year and I lived aboard an explorer cruise ship for three and a half months, navigating the Caribbean, Africa and Mediterranean Sea," Cuthbert said.
"I was exposed to some challenging navigation in uncharted areas of the Caribbean to very dense traffic areas like the Strait of Gibraltar.”
Thomas Cuthbert
Deck Cadet Corey Chalmers said he’d been well supported by the experiences and knowledge of those around him.
“I’ve been mainly based around Onslow during my cadetship, but I’ve also had the privilege of travelling to China twice for dry dock and the maiden voyages of two of MinRes Marine’s new vessels," he said.
"Being able to experience both sides of the industry has been a great part of my journey so far.”
MinRes Marine Operations Manager Darren Thomas leads the program and said the cadets’ willingness to learn demonstrated their motivation and aptitude for a career in the industry.
“The cadet program aligns with MinRes’ commitment to developing skilled workforce capacity in the maritime sector and the approach allows trainees to earn while they learn – combining theoretical knowledge with real-world application,” Thomas said.
“Our cadets have gained valuable experience in day-to-day marine operations as well as the navigational and engineering requirements of preparing vessels to sail international voyages, which has been well-supported by the partnerships who crew our vessels.
“Over time, as one cadet completes their educational and qualifying sea service and enters the industry as qualified seafarers, we plan on maintaining the five cadet positions to further support the development of the next generation of seafarers.”
Learn more about MinRes’ marine operation.
