Extractives industry well represented at Proskills Awards

Commitment to training and skills development points to a bright future for the industry

THE extractive and minerals processing industries were strongly represented at the 2011 Proskills Awards, which celebrated the achievements of companies and employees in their training and skills development across the process and manufacturing sector in a glittering ceremony at Alton Towers on 3 November.

Representing the extractive and minerals processing industries, Terri-Ann Westerman of UK Coal Mining Ltd won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award, while Aggregate Industries were a finalist in the Outstanding Employer of the Year category.

Terri-Ann, endorsed by her employer as a role model to others and a keen dedicated learner, said on winning the award: ‘This is the icing on the cake, I couldn’t believe it when I was nominated but this is amazing.’

Alongside recognizing individual and collective achievement, the awards ceremony also highlighted the wider commercial importance of the extractive and minerals processing industry and its wider commitment to technical development.

With the marketplace growing ever-more competitive, effective training is crucial to the long-term future of the industry, says Proskills’ chief executive officer, Terry Watts.

‘Skilled staff will be best placed to meet emerging demand,’ he stressed. ‘The Proskills Awards have shown the depth of talent in the process and manufacturing sector workforce, so it’s now down to extractive and minerals processing companies to invest in training and ensure their employees have the skills that will support ongoing commercial development.’

Despite the ongoing financial uncertainty, support is available for companies who want to invest in the skills of their employees. For further information on training and the funding available, call Proskills on tel: (01235) 833844; or visit: www.proskills.co.uk