“Mining presents a great opportunity to create a successful career with a range of fields to choose from. Work hard and listen to advice from others who are prepared to give you their time and knowledge.”
Meet Tom, MACA’s Alternate PM. Tom’s mining career began at the tail end of 2004 when he was offered the opportunity to drive a watercart for three months during the peak of summer in the Goldfields, which turned into three years.
Tom’s leadership qualities then led him to gain experience in supervisory and superintendent roles when coverage was needed, accelerating his career.
“After gaining valuable experience as a superintendent around ten years ago, I transferred to Karara into a full-time production superintendent role and then to Mt Magnet as Alternate PM; when Mt Cattlin was announced, I transferred there as the alternate,” said Tom, where he remains now.
Mt Cattlin is currently in a busy period; Tom explained:
“We’re in the middle of a rapid ramp-up, so the swings are very busy. On top of regular meetings, audits, scheduling and planning, a lot is going on with mobilising new starters, transfers within the business, new equipment arriving on site, upgrading our current facilities and moving into a bigger facility as well, and then working on moving our team from the FQM camp into Ravensthorpe town.”
Tom believes being busy offers the opportunity to improve a person’s skill set, which can open opportunities for higher-paying and more challenging positions within the mining industry; he particularly enjoys watching co-workers grow their knowledge and technical skill base, which in turn can advance their careers, leading to higher job satisfaction.
“The most rewarding thing is seeing people you work with develop their skills and move into new roles. You will always continue to learn, so don’t think you know everything; it could be from the most unexpected places or people that you get the most valuable lessons,” he said.
For Tom, building essential relationships with co-workers and learning from each other is also key to feeling happy at work.
“The most enjoyable thing about working for MACA is the people you meet on the way. I have been fortunate to have worked and still work with amazing people who are prepared to share their knowledge and help mentor.
“There are a lot of people in the business who genuinely want to help others succeed and will provide continued support during the good times and challenges we face,” Tom added.
One major trend that is currently transforming the industry is the rollout of the new WHS Act and Regulations, which includes an increased focus on risk assessments across Western Australia. Still, Tom is looking ahead with a positive outlook.
“Our supervision teams are probably feeling the shake-up the most with requirements to gain qualifications for risk management and sit an exam on the updated Act and Regs. It’s great to see the prep work that MACA as a business is doing in the background to comply with these changes and update our systems. Speaking to people from different companies, I think it would be fair to say that as a business, we are on the front foot for being prepared for this change,” said Tom.
When Tom’s not at work, he values adventurous time spent outdoors with friends and family to unwind.
“I love to get out with friends and family for day trips or camping on the beach with a beer and a barbeque, exploring twisting roads on the motorbike and getting plenty of family time with my partner, all our kids, dogs and my siblings’ families,” Tom added.
Interested in joining our MACA team? We’re hiring!
