17 May 2013

LEADING Australian mining, oil and gas companies have been recognised for excellence in workforce recruitment and practices at the annual AREEA (Australian Mines and Metals Association) 2013 Industry Awards.

More than 350 resource employers celebrated the industry’s top achievers at a gala dinner and ceremony, held during the three-day AREEA 2013 National Conference at Melbourne’s Crown Conference Centre last night.

“As the national resource industry employer group, AREEA believes in rewarding the outstanding achievements within our industry,” says AREEA executive director, industry Scott Barklamb.
“These award winners exemplify the efforts of AREEA members who continue to innovate and excel with employment policies and practices. This type of leadership is what our industry is all about and has featured as a theme throughout our conference.”
Now in its fifth year, the AREEA Industry Awards program recognises achievements in Indigenous employment, training and development, women’s participation, and creativity in recruitment.

• Indigenous Employment and Retention Award winner – OZ Minerals

“OZ Minerals demonstrated an outstanding dedication to local employment,” says Mr Barklamb.

“Its pre-employment training program is assisting Aboriginal people to gain work experience, nationally recognised qualifications and guaranteed employment at its Prominent Hill copper-gold mine in South Australia.

• Innovation in Training and Development Award winner – Perilya Broken Hill Ltd

“Perilya Broken Hill impressed the judging panel with the successful implementation of a training strategy that developed new skills across its workforce and significantly improved productivity and safety rates.

• Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA) Award winner – OZ Minerals

“For the second year running, OZ Minerals convinced the judging panel it deserved the AWRA Award, recognising its initiatives to achieve 25% female participation at all levels.

“OZ Minerals ensures diversity is directly measured as part of overall company performance and provides strategic training and development opportunities to enable women to achieve their career aspirations.

• Most Creative Recruitment Campaign – Anglo American Metallurgical Coal

“With its central Queensland mining operations expected to create 1800 new jobs by 2020, Anglo American Metallurgical Coal attracted jobseekers with a widespread advertising campaign featuring one of its most talented female employees.

“The advertisements contributed to a consistent growth in female participation, with women comprising 23% of all new appointments in 2012.

“AREEA congratulates all Award winners on their commitment to the development of Australian workforces and contributions to the wider resource industry.”

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