The scholarship, a partnership between DBT and the State Government, was established to enable recipients to work and study in the German state of North Rhine Westphalia.

DBT’s main manufacturing facility is in Germany and the company has a large facility in Paget, Queensland, employing up to 140 people during peak times. The company also has a Newcastle, NSW, local head office.

The scholarship also serves to promote the mining industry within the central Queensland community, strengthening international links through this ongoing mutually beneficial relationship between it and North Rhine Westphalia.

Geoff Newby, national customer relations manager for DBT Australia, said the 2005 scholarship would benefit Buckett and encourage a greater sharing of knowledge between regional Queensland and Germany.

Buckett’s four-month scholarship will include at least three months in Germany, during which time he will visit several coal mines, DBT’s underground mining equipment factories and DBT’s design, engineering and automation departments.

Once he returns to Mackay he will continue his studies at Central Queensland University and will undertake a research project for a thesis and have on the job training at DBT Australia.

“DBT Australia wants to keep young professional graduates in the Mackay area and this joint initiative between DBT Australia and the Queensland Government will play a vital role in enhancing and retaining valuable skills in the region,” Newby said.

Buckett will also visit operations in England, Scotland and USA, along with visits to two coal mines while he is in the US.