15 April 2025
Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training visits RME
RME recently had the honour of hosting a delegation from the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training to explore our approach to learning and development.
RME recently had the honour of hosting a delegation from the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training to explore our approach to learning and development. They delved into our unique and integrated program that equips apprentices with the skills and support needed to succeed, including technical training, a strengthened focus on personalised coaching and mentoring, and hands-on experience.
It was a fantastic opportunity for some of our apprentices to share their career journeys, from the development of critical industry skills and technical abilities to their growth in confidence and problem solving. Additionally, we also shared the significant benefits our apprenticeship program has gained through collaboration with TAFE Toowoomba and the Department.
“Over the past year, RME has strengthened its focus on coaching and mentoring, embedding practices across the organisation,” explained RME’s Global Manager, Learning and Development, Debra Nawrotzky.
“The practices were initially introduced to support the development and training of our apprentices, and then very quickly, we observed their transformative impact.
“By fostering positive relationships between apprentices, supervisors, team leaders and subject matter experts, we’ve not only improved apprentice integration and support, but also achieved more successful outcomes across the entire team."
“Additionally, as an organisation with a strong commitment to learning, we now consciously deliver more personalised support for our apprentice programs, tailored to diverse learning styles, personality traits and skill levels. This has improved our apprentices’ proficiency, skill retention and safety.”
A diverse program: from technical certifications to leadership development
RME’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in our robust learning and development initiatives. Key focus areas include engineering, manufacturing, leadership and customer experience competency, ensuring excellence across all disciplines.
Notable achievements include the development of a Product Lifecycle Management Learning Path, an Engineering Competency Framework, and a progressive Standard Operating Procedure Program that staggers learning, leading to more successful outcomes for both new starters and team leaders alike.
Additional initiatives include specialised training for manufacturing teams and technical modules for Customer Support Technicians. These modules are delivered in multiple languages by a team of 22 RME Training and Assessment-qualified Service Technicians stationed across all RME regional offices in Australia and globally.
RME’s leadership programs have empowered more than 60 of our leaders globally, while accredited operator training ensures the competent and safe use of our mill relining equipment on our Customer sites. These programs have upskilled more than 2,200 mill relining personnel across 36 countries.
“Our tailored learning programs empower our employees at all levels and backgrounds, as well as our Customers, to deliver exceptional outcomes and drive innovation.”
Learning: a core tenet of RME’s culture
RME’s Chief Operating Officer Geoff Wadsworth also addressed the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training delegation, and commended RME’s apprentices for the growth and success they have achieved.
“RME’s comprehensive approach to training underpins our success as an innovator, manufacturer and safety leader in the global mineral processing industry. Importantly, it also fosters our employees’ growth.”
“Through a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training, we offer a diverse program, from technical certifications to leadership development, creating a skilled, engaged workforce, reinforcing our industry leadership and future readiness.
“Learning is a priority for everyone at RME. It’s a core tenet of our culture, building our organisational capability, resilience and adaptability.”
A universal learning framework
RME’s global Learning and Development (L&D) Strategy underpins our position as a leader in safety and as an Original Equipment Manufacturer. Built on four pillars, it ensures employees and leaders excel through a universal learning framework, fostering innovation and adaptability.
By addressing compliance, safety, technical skills and leadership growth, RME prepares our workforce to meet evolving demands. Tailored, regionally-informed training bridges capability gaps, while mentorship supports consistent knowledge transfer.
"Our commitment to empowering our people through education ensures RME remains an innovation leader," added Geoff.
“If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can contribute to projects that are making a positive impact on the world, then RME is the place for you.”
Thank you to the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training for your support and interest in RME.
Grow your career at RME
At RME, we strive to provide rewarding careers. We want our employees to have the opportunity to make an impact in their roles, grow personally and professionally, and balance their work with their other priorities.
Jacob Steinhardt’s RME journey exemplifies this commitment. Starting work with RME in one of our warehouses, Jacob quickly developed a desire to further his skills and knowledge of RME, initially trying a number of different roles.
He told the Department of Trade, Employment and Training delegation that a job then came up for an assembly technician. “While I never really saw myself working ‘on the tools’ my manager encouraged me to apply,” Jacob said.
“After a few months I found that it was something I loved doing. My skills and willingness to learn were recognised and I was offered an apprenticeship.
“I’ve gained skills and experience from each of the roles I’ve had at RME and am now bringing them together as an apprentice, and soon to be tradesman.
“As a Mechanical fitter and turner, you learn machining, boiler making, fitting, hydraulics, pneumatics, drafting skills and problem solving. We are lucky to have many trades under the one roof at RME. You don’t have to look far for someone to help and guide you, whether that be a supervisor, engineer or my fellow colleagues.
“Attending TAFE has supported my learning, including the skills to do my job safely, quickly and efficiently. I’ve taken those skills and honed them at RME, also bringing them up to an RME standard as we go a step further than Australian standards.
“My manager is very supportive of my growth and encourages me to test my skills daily. My support network also includes other more experienced and qualified tradespeople at RME, as well as great systems that keep my training and TAFE attendance on track.
“With all that I’ve learnt and am continuing to learn, I can hold myself to a high standard, confident that my work will reflect well on RME’s values, just as RME’s values are reflected in me.”
Work with us
Join our global team of diverse and inclusive people engineering innovative solutions to improve the human condition through responsible access to metals at lower cost.
You can view RME’s current job opportunities https://bit.ly/RME_Careers.
To submit an expression of interest, please send your resume and cover letter to careers@rmeglobal.com.
Content related to this article
Austmine Mining Innovation Roadshow: 'The art of engineering innovation'
See Simon Thompson, RME's General Manager of Engineering, present "The Art of Engineering Innovation: Sharing Our Learnings and Why This Matters to RME" at the Austmine Mining Innovation Roadshow.
Read More
Built to lead: an interview with RME’s new Chief Operations Officer
The newest member of RME’s Chief Executive Team and Chief Operations Officer, Geoff Wadsworth shares candidly about working at RME and provides wise counsel on achieving career growth.
Read More
Watch the new 'We are RME'
To mark RME's 40th anniversary, we are thrilled to release a new 'We are RME' film. Showcasing our team, suppliers, achievements, and aspirations, the film reflects what makes RME the world’s trusted OEM of grinding mill relining systems.
Read More
TRUST RME TO RAISE THE STANDARD
Trusted globally for every 40 ft SAG, we're now bringing RME safety, performance, reliability and long-life standards to even the smallest capacity machines.
Read More