OREANDA-NEWS. A Rio Tinto employee has won the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award at the regional finals of the Queensland Training Awards in Cairns on Friday.

Local Weipa civil tradesperson Aaron Lobley was recognised at the Far North Queensland finals and represented Rio Tinto’s bauxite mine which was also a finalist in the Employee of the Year category.

Proving you’re never too old to learn new skills, Aaron was recognised for his stellar performance as a mature-aged apprentice whilst completing his air-conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeship on site.

Now working in a full time role as a civil tradesperson after completing his apprenticeship, Aaron said “I have always had an interest and curiosity in the electrical and refrigeration trade, which was the driver for me to apply for the apprenticeship in the first place.

“The recognition of being nominated in these awards is humbling, but the real reason I go to work each day is because the industry is ever-changing. One of the highlights of my role is having the ability to implement new technologies into our operations.”

This is not the first time Mr Lobley has been recognised as a leader in his field. Aaron won Skill360’s Combined Trades Apprentice of the Year in 2013 and 2014 and was runner up in Skill360’s Mature Age Apprentice of the Year category last year.

Skill360 Australia chief executive officer Peter Langbien said “The Queensland Training Awards are the state’s highest recognition for training.

“It is wonderful to see Aaron’s efforts acknowledged. Winning a Queensland Training Award is a fantastic achievement and sets Aaron up for a great career as it is clear recognition of his talent, hard work and motivation.”

Rio Tinto general manager, Weipa Operations, Gareth Manderson said “Apprentices play an important role at Weipa and I am pleased to see Aaron being recognised for his hard work.

“Aaron is a great example of an apprentice whose commitment and hard work has helped to secure a full-time role with the business after completion of his apprenticeship.

“Aaron is often recognised by his leaders for his strong commitment to working safely, and his willingness to coach others in the team, including younger apprentices.

“Weipa is committed to providing employment and development opportunities for people, like Aaron, in our region.”

Rio Tinto’s Weipa mine was a finalist in the Employer of the Year category. Mr Manderson said “It is an honour for our business to also be recognised at these awards.

“We're committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees where their rights and dignity are respected.

“We have a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, with females accounting for close to a quarter of the workforce and 27 in leadership positions. Indigenous employment remains a key focus area for the business, with existing local Aboriginal employees being developed into leadership roles and improved retention rates. In 2014, Indigenous turnover reduced by approximately 30 per cent across the business, with total Indigenous participation remaining steady at over 22 per cent.”