Robust training program vital
BEFORE deciding on becoming an apprentice with Hastings Deering – a Caterpillar dealership based in Brisbane – Jim Walker was all set to become a teacher. “My passion and heart were with my dad in the earthmoving industry,” Mr Walker said in a speech at a recent WA Mining Club industry luncheon. “I loved every day. I’d get some jobs that weren’t great, but I’d quickly forget about those when the next exciting one came along,” he said. Jobs have been a hot topic in the mining industry for some time and while the lack of university graduates may have garnered the most headlines, only 20 per cent of mining jobs today require a university degree. For Mr Walker, as...