Glencore named CQ large employer of the year
Media statement
Mackay, Australia
Glencore Coal’s Queensland Apprenticeship Program was named Large Employer of the Year at the 2025 Central Queensland Training Awards, recognising its outstanding contribution to skills development and workforce growth across the region.
The awards celebrate excellence in training and highlight the vital role that apprentices and trainees play in building a skilled workforce for the future.
Glencore’s Queenland based program currently supports 118 apprentices and sets itself apart through its strong emphasis on emerging technologies. Apprentices benefit from dual qualifications and dual trades, hands-on experience, and dedicated mentorship, which prepares them to excel in a rapidly evolving mining sector and enhances workforce capabilities across Queensland.
Judges commended Glencore for its innovative approach to training and its future-focused curriculum. In their remarks, they noted the program exemplifies best practices in apprenticeship education.
Jarryd Townson, Glencore Coal’s Queensland Engineering Coordinator (Training and Development), described the win as a powerful acknowledgment of the people behind the program.
“This achievement reflects the hard work we put in every day to deliver quality training and support to develop future tradespeople,” Jarryd said.
“From Site Coordinators, HR specialists, Engineering Managers, Site Tradespeople, Mentors and TAFE teachers, there are a myriad of people that play an integral role to support our apprentices to succeed and grow within the industry.”
“Thank you to everyone who is committed to making our Queensland Apprenticeship Program an award-winning initiative.”
Following the win in the regional category, Glencore will advance to the State-level Training Awards, with the possibility of representing Queensland on the national stage in the coming months.
Glencore Coal’s representative, Jarryd Townson (Back Row, Second from Left) and fellow winners.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Smith
m: +61 497 504 420
e: Jessica Smith
Laura Reilly
m: +61 419 949 254
e: Laura Reilly
Notes for editors
About Glencore Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead and silver from 20 active mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including concentrators, smelters and refineries.
We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
We employ 17,420 people in Australia and in 2024 contributed almost $19.6 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $13.5 billion with 6,810 businesses, as well as $3.6 billion in government tax and royalty payments.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.
We will support the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through our efforts to decarbonise our own operational footprint. We believe that we should take a holistic approach and have considered our commitment through the lens of our global industrial emissions. For more information see our 2024-2026 Climate Action Transition Plan.
Learn more about Glencore Australia.