Five of Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday’s METS businesses are now equipped with more tools and skills to help drive commercial opportunities within their operations after completing the final training workshop of the 2020 Regional Accelerator program today.
The 2020 Regional Accelerator is a Queensland Government-funded program, delivered in partnership with METS Ignited and facilitated by the Resource Industry Network (RIN), is designed to boost SMEs working in the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector by helping them develop new business skills.
Held at the newly opened Resources Centre of Excellence, the participating businesses included JP Piping Systems, Impress Solutions, Zemek Engineering, Engineering & Environmental Services QLD, and Onsite Safety Training Compliance.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Regional Accelerator program was part of the Queensland Government's Advance Queensland initiative to strengthen our state's economy and create high-value, knowledge-based jobs of the future for Queenslanders.
“The Queensland Government has strongly supported the METS sector through our 10-year Roadmap. METS is firmly in our Economic Recovery Strategy as an emerging industry for Queensland’s response and recovery from COVID-19,” she said.
“I congratulate the local businesses to be supported through the Regional Accelerator.”
RIN acting general manager Dean Kirkwood said one of the biggest opportunities for the Regional Accelerator participants is their exposure to real customers including representatives from major mining houses and procurement specialists.
“As a world-class leader in METS solutions, it’s important we continue to support existing and emerging Mackay-based businesses to develop the skills they need to be successful. The opportunity to pitch to, liaise with, and receive first-hand feedback from these representatives is priceless and a major drawcard of the program.
“The businesses also had access to specialist training and industry advice and expanded their commercial opportunities by learning from the expertise of our delivery partners and presenters including consultant Annabel Dolphin and Andrew Klein.
“Resource Industry Network would like to acknowledge the fantastic support provided by our Regional Accelerator partners, METS Ignited and the Queensland Government, and we look forward to working with the participating SMEs as they successfully move forward,” Mr Kirkwood said.
Paul Hockings, managing director from participating business Zemek Engineering, said the Regional Accelerator program was a practical course which had assisted his business in reassessing its position, and then navigating their future direction and growth, in globally uncertain times.
METS Ignited CEO Adrian Beer says the Industry Growth Centre is partnering with the Queensland Government and the Resource Industry Network to enhance management skills and capability development opportunities in regional areas such as Mackay.
“METS Ignited’s partnership with the Queensland Government and regional bodies like RIN, recognises the significant contribution regional innovation is making to Australia’s economy, jobs and growth.
“We are working together to deliver regional programs, delivered and supported by regional businesses to maintain skills in our regions and accelerate real commercialisation opportunities."
