Sustainable development in recruitment
Rio Tinto Coal Australia's new Hail Creek mine demonstrated a contribution to sustainable development through proactive recruitment and extensive employee induction.
The construction and subsequent operation of Hail Creek provided an opportunity to assemble a team of employees from scratch. While its core management and services team was in place for the construction period, during 2003 96 operating positions were filled.
Approximately 40 per cent of applicants were sourced from existing Rio Tinto operations and the mining industry, and about 60 per cent were employed locally. The focus of the recruitment campaign was to secure new employees who demonstrated the desired personal qualities, regardless of experience, who understood the company's commitment to sustainable development and safety.
Securing employees from the local community was identified as a means of contributing to the operation's sustainability. An intensive local campaign was conducted, enlisting the support of local authorities and organisations to facilitate applications and distribute application forms. A strategic media campaign was conducted, with advertising in local suburban newspapers and the distribution of 2,500 application forms from Hail Creek's Mackay office.
The recruitment process and the new starter induction programme were critical components in the development of a culture focused on sustainable development, safety, teamwork and productivity.
All new employees undertook a three week induction programme designed to ensure they understood the culture and values of the operation, covering:
- Sustainable development information including business context, cultural awareness training, community relations and environmental standards. This included sessions on sustainable development from the perspective of the National Parks Service and a local grazier.
- Detailed understanding of the business and its operating philosophy.
- Safety induction and overview.
- Aboriginal and cultural awareness training.
- Leadership and team membership training.
- Information on human resources systems, policies and procedures.
- Workplace and company orientation.
Back to top