Host Employer Of 2004
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday June 15, 2004
Blue Circle Southern Cement is proud to keep the apprentice tradition alive.
Engineering manager Peter Wall said the company is a host employer for a number of apprentices at its Maldon, Marulan and Berrima sites.
Blue Circle works to train quality apprentices with Health Industry Group Training Company which recently nominated the company for a state award.
Mr Wall said the company was thrilled to have been successful, after being named host employer of the year (with more than 20 employees) in the 2004 NSW Group Training Awards.
``We've been part of the group training initiative for about eight years. Group training offers a good package," he said.
``There's a lot of flexibility in terms of placement and training. For instance, our electricians, in the final stage of their apprenticeships, go and work with local electrical contractors.
``In this way group training gives young people well-rounded training in the trade of their choice, with exposure to heavy industry and equipment and experience in a whole range of ways of doing things."
Mr Wall said it was particularly gratifying to win an award for their part in the group training scheme.
``This is where our future skills in maintenance are coming from," he said. ``The award is testament to the fact that our company is trying to provide a solution to the skills shortage problems."
© 2004 Illawarra Mercury