For a second year running, Hunter companies have dominated at a gala awards ceremony in Sydney that celebrates businesses servicing the state’s mining industry.
The annual NSW Mining Suppliers Awards, presented by NSW Resources and Energy Minister the Hon. Chris Hartcher MP, recognise excellence and innovation in companies across four categories – professional services, small business, manufacturing & engineering, and mining technology.
Hunter Valley Training Company’s (HVTC) 20-year-long commitment to the mining industry was recognised last night with the company taking out the Professional Services Category at the 2013 NSW Mining Suppliers Awards.
HVTC Acting CEO John O’Hearn said the award was recognition of the company’s dedication to meeting the changing needs of the NSW minerals industry over the past two decades.
“We have forged strong relationship with mining companies and have worked closely with the industry to develop HVTC’s Mining Industry Skills Program – a specific training program used to produce job-ready apprentices and trainees to meet market demand,” John said.
“With work carried out in confined underground spaces and the regular use of heavy machinery, mining sites can be a high-risk and complex environment. The program provides a simulated workshop environment where safety and basic skills are learnt in a safe environment designed to reduce the risk to workers on the mine site.”
Since it began, the Mining Industry Skills Program has given around 700 students the career start and basic skills needed for success in the industry.
HVTC currently services a large and diverse network of mining associated host employers, with more than 70 per cent of HVTC’s Hunter region client base from mining and mining-related support service industries.
This latest award win for HVTC follows on from last week’s Hunter Manufacturing Awards where HVTC apprentice Andrew Godwin (hosted by Walter Diversified Services) was named Apprentice of the Year Manufacturing.
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said that the NSW mining industry was providing many new opportunities for businesses across NSW.
“Mining is delivering jobs, growth and prosperity to the state and we now know that our industry is helping to generate significant economic activity for range of other sectors,” Stephen said.
“Mining cannot happen without input from many other sectors, including engineering, construction, environmental science, and other professional services including accounting and the law.”
The full list of winners are as follows:
- Category: Manufacturing & Engineering
WINNER | Melvelle Equipment
RUNNER UP | Sandvik Mining
- Category: Professional Services
WINNER | Hunter Valley Training Company
RUNNER UP | BiS Industries
- Category: Mining Technology
WINNER | Sandvik Mining
RUNNER UP | Pacific National
- Category: Small Business Supplier
WINNER | HMS Group of Companies Australia
RUNNER UP | IQ Link
