OUR COMMITMENT
At AVKO we recognise the single biggest constraint on the success of any organisation is the ability to employ and retain enough of the right people. We believe that the continuous development of people and teamwork is necessary to realise the potential of our business.
Our personal values have been integrated into the company from the beginning and the people that have been attracted to working for AVKO almost always hold the same values. These personal values combined with our core business values, underpin AVKOs expectations of desirable and acceptable employee behaviour.
AVKO has a close team atmosphere and a very flat management structure. From a management perspective we also believe in looking after our personnel. The underlying value across the workplace is that you have to have fun along the way. This is reflected both in the atmosphere in the office and in the jobs that we tender for on a whole.
In terms of safety AVKO have an overriding commitment to the health, safety and welfare of employees. The safety of our employees is identified as an enabler that will unlock resources for business improvement.
TRAINEES, APPRENTICES AND WORK EXPERIENCE
AVKO take a wider view of training than just for our requirements. Importantly we are taking a pro-active view to training student mining engineers in the all important areas of underground experience and endeavour to take on two students per year for vacation work.
In addition, we employ a number of apprentices and trainees in varying disciplines throughout Australia.
457 VISA EMPLOYEES
As the Alimak Raise Mining technique has been operating all over the world since the 1950’s, AVKO has recognised the opportunity to bring in expatriates to lead a number of our Alimak crews, and to actively train local people in the methods and maintenance of using an Alimak Raise Climber. Miners with considerable experience in operating as a Lead Miner using the Alimak Raise Mining method are brought into Australia on 457 working visas. They are integrated into our existing Australian crews providing on-the-job training, advice on technique, safety initiatives, maintenance advice, and mentoring for our Australian employees.
Throughout 2007 and 2008, AVKO have employed a total of eight expatriates to provide support and leadership to our new crews in an area of the business where the demand is increasing all the time. These employees are also actively involved in developing clear and defined traineeship programs to offer to local employees and provide skills and knowledge with a clear path to career advancement through the Alimak Department.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
AVKO continuously strives to be an employer of choice in this industry by providing an environment with policies and procedures that offer a healthy and safe work environment. It is also important to the organisation that the work environment provides employees with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Developing people and teamwork to realize the potential of our business is crucial. A position with AVKO offers the opportunity to undertake interesting and challenging work in a friendly and safe environment. The underlying values that ensure an employee will prosper within AVKO include a high level of responsibility and independence and respect for other team members from trainees to management. Employees that place a high level of importance on skills development and personal growth will do well within AVKO.
Employees are trained on site and have many opportunities for advancement and diversification. AVKO provides professional development for all levels in the form of courses, conferences, on-the-job training, mentoring, and succession planning.
CODE OF CONDUCT
A foundation of personal and professional integrity, and commitment to excellence, has provided the framework for AVKO’s success. It is our belief that the highest standards of honesty, ethical behaviour and integrity are required both as a company and as individuals.
The AVKO Code of Conduct is designed to establish a set of principles to assist employees in making decisions that are consistent with the company’s corporate values and represent good business practice.