Training and Development

Training and development is of great importance to PanAust and is a key factor in the Company achieving its Vision and working within its Values. The Company's key training objective is to increase the skills base in Laos to progressively localise the workforce.

In partnership with the Pathumthani Technical College in Bangkok, Thailand, and the Lao-German Technical College in Vientiane, the Company’s in-house Technical Trades Training Centre is based at the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation and at any one time, up to 40 trainees are completing two-year, trade-training programs in welding and fabrication, automotive mechanical, automotive electrical, electrical fitting (industrial and domestic), heavy mechanical engineering, or mechanical fitting.

PanAust's Leadership Development program aims to build capacity within the Lao workforce to reduce reliance on expatriate employees carrying out supervisory roles. The Company also provides a more advanced leadership development program to support and develop employees as they progress to more senior roles

Safety-related training is carried out continuously across the PanAust Group and covers numerous operational topics as well as issues affecting office-based employees. In 2011, almost 22,000 hours of induction, health and safety, and environment training were completed within PanAust’s Lao-based Operations and Projects.

In addition to formalised training, extensive on-the-job training is carried out and competency-based results are recorded to track employees' skills and progress.

For further information regarding PanAust's training and development outcomes, refer to the Sustainability Report 2010 (pages 78 - 82).