10/07/2010
In a world first, funding for an apprenticeship program in the minting industry was announced at the conclusion of the recent 2010 Mint Directors Conference.
The Janine Murphy Scholarship for Apprentices is named in honour of the previous Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer who passed away last year after suffering from a long term illness.
“Janine Murphy had true passion for the Royal Australian Mint and the minting industry and in particular, a strong passion for learning and education,” said Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Mr Ross MacDiarmid.
“Janine was very much loved in the minting community because of this passion and commitment, which also had an integral part in the Royal Australian Mint having the opportunity to host this international conference.”
“Therefore it was only fitting that this ten-year apprenticeship program be announced at MDC 2010.”
The ten-year apprenticeship program is being supported by the Poongsan Corporation, a Korean based company which specialises in the development and mass production of copper-based alloys.
“This program is a first of its kind in the minting industry. There are of course apprenticeship programs available but this will focus on the development of specific skills for minting which are very specialised and need to be nurtured,” said Mr MacDiarmid.
“It will be available to anyone from around the world interested in pursuing a career in the field of minting.”
Details of the program will be developed by the Mint Directors Conference Technical Committee.
Hosted by the Royal Australian Mint the Mint Directors Conference 2010 was an opportunity for the minting industry representatives to discuss and exchange information on monetary issues.
For more information on MDC 2010 visit www.mdc2010.com
For media enquires please contact: Michelle Napoli - 0418 164 769