The award, handed out last month, takes into consideration companies’ approach to indigenous employment, with Downer bagging the award due to its significant contribution it had made in the area of workplace inclusion.

In addition, the award recognised the specialist recruitment and training methodology that Downer undertakes when recruiting indigenous workers.

The three-step process includes local community consultation, community information sessions and an assessment workshop at the mine site for the prospective employees.

According to the company, this technique enables it to recruit based on teamwork, leadership skills and trainability.

“Our indigenous recruitment process works because of the positive culture, leadership and commitment to diversity that is clearly demonstrated by our frontline management right across our business,” indigenous affairs and business development west general manager Daniel Archer said.

Downer’s recruitment process has been taking place across six mine sites since late 2010.

The company said it had already met its indigenous employee representation in the workforce target for the 2011-12 financial year which stands at 135.