Fitting and Machining
Travis
Role: Apprentice Mechanical Fitter
Company: OZ Minerals
What interested you in working in the minerals industry?
I was looking for an apprenticeship when I finished school. I did a pre-apprenticeship and the job came up. I grew up on a farm and I’ve always been interested in mechanics. When I had the interview, it seemed like the kind of thing for me. I made the right decision.
What do you do as an apprentice in the minerals industry?
The work is very flexible and each day there is always something different to do. If something breaks down, then it’s all hands on deck because we have to get things back and running as quickly as possible. The variety and the pressure of the job is unreal. Everyday you’re doing a new job. I’ve been here four years and I’m still learning.
What advice would you give to anyone leaving school and thinking about going into the minerals industry and what kind of person do you have to be for a role like yours?
Keep on top of your studies. I got my job through an apprenticeships company. We did an aptitude test. You have to be confident and you definitely have to have people skills because you’re always talking to people.
