Incorporated in 1992, HunterNet is a network of small and medium-sized manufacturing, engineering and consulting companies located in the Hunter Region of NSW. Formed as a non-trading, not for profit Co-Operative, it involves over 200 companies, active in national and international markets in defence, power generation, mineral processing, transportation and major resource projects.HunterNet was formed as a response to the shifting economic climate of the 1990s, which saw many of the smaller manufacturing and engineering companies competing in a more limited market. Small to medium enterprises needed to create new opportunities for themselves and the region in order to survive. By combining their skills, expertise and the power of many, these companies were able to focus on competing globally.HunterNet markets the combined capability of the members, provides business development and training opportunities, and promotes the Hunter as a manufacturing and engineering region of excellence.The network provides member companies with the opportunity to take part in activities previously out of reach of smaller enterprises including training and development, networking, joint marketing initiatives, joint project bids, focused task forces, trade missions and tendering.Relationships with key bodies such as Industry & Investment NSW, Regional Development Australia - Hunter, The Hunter Export Centre and the University of Newcastle provide the network with additional support, services and weight in the political and business arena.The success of HunterNet Members in winning work from major projects in areas such as ship building, aerospace, rail and mining on an individual and collective basis in the past, will be a key factor in achieving future success for the region as the Hunter gears up for it's next stage of industrial development, with many new industrial and mining projects coming forward, as the Hunter truly becomes Australia's leading industrial and manufacturing region.The HunterNet Group Training Company (HNGTC) was established by HunterNet members to support companies who lack the resources to provide structured "on-the-job" training programs. Our unique program consolidates on- and off-the-job learning and has revolutionised the face of apprentice training in the Hunter.
We engage apprentices and trainees on behalf of employers throughout the Hunter, with the aim of achieving high quality outcomes through a partnership approach. HNGTC plays a facilitative role in ensuring that training is tailored to satisfy the needs of employers as well as apprentices and trainees.HNGTC has a strong focus on pastoral care, effective management and development of apprentices and trainees. This has resulted in increased retention rates, which consequently reduces turnover rates for Host employers.