Saturday, July 5th, 2008
The current global industrial boom has highlighted the shortage of qualified engineers and mining professionals in Australia.
Maptek, technology provider to the mining industry, is taking a proactive approach to finding staff for now and in the future by looking to university students and fostering their career expectations early. This is paying off.
Greg Campbell, an intern in Maptek’s Newcastle office received several awards recently in recognition of his achievements in the first year of computer engineering studies.
Greg received the Purdue Prize in Circuit Fundamentals from Head of School, Associate Professor Steve Weller and Associate Lecturer, Dr Terry Summers from the University of Newcastle’s Engineering Faculty. He was also awarded the regional Engineers Australia commendation for overall academic excellence in a first year of study.
Maptek founder and Chairman, Dr Bob Johnson, said that after 27 years in business, one of the ways Maptek stays at the forefront of innovation is by continuing to look for bright students and graduates who have a passion for what they’re doing.
‘To be the best we need to hire and retain the best on offer at universities throughout Australia, and the world,’ he added. ‘These leaders of the future can then be mentored by our long-term staff, some of whom have been with Maptek since we started.’
Maptek is now represented on every continent, with 12 offices, 5 in Australia. The team in Newcastle focuses on software and hardware technology that helps mines improve productivity and safety.
‘I enjoy working at Maptek because of the flexible environment and the challenging range of projects,’ said Greg, who started with Maptek at the beginning of 2008.
‘The people are always helpful if I need a hand with work, or just someone to talk to over coffee,’ he added.
‘There’s lots of different aspects to Maptek’s MineSuite product. I get to tackle diverse tasks – from software coding, project management, image design, through to the actual physical implementation. A good mix of both the physical and computer-based worlds.’
Maptek is looking to the future, and people like Greg will play an important role in the company’s success.