Metal Fabrication
Alex
Role: 3rd year apprentice Boilermaker
Company: Newcrest Mining Limited, Cadia Valley Operations
How did you get into this occupation?
I was always interested in metal work and mining has been in my family.
Any school experiences that contributed to your decision?
I studied engineering studies, metal work and maths at school which set me up for engineering. One of the requirements for my subjects was to attend two separate week-long work experience sessions at workshops in my local area. This fueled my interests in the trade so I decided to look for an apprenticeship.
What did you study after school?
In year ten I did a night welding class for a year, I also did a computer aided drawing (CAD) course through school for a year.
Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?
I am doing my apprenticeship because it is a good stepping stone to do mechanical engineering. I chose to do my trade instead of going straight to university to do engineering as it will give me vital hands-on experience on how things operate and function. Also my trade will count for some units at uni and I will have that step above everyone at uni because of my past experience.
Plus, I am getting paid while I learn and am not running up a HECS debt!
What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship with Newcrest at the Cadia Mine?
My trade is very much a hands-on occupation. It offers great diversity. I can work in a workshop in the nearby town of Orange or I can be in the middle of the desert at a mine if I want to.
The work is physically demanding as well as mentally demanding. I like that the occupation offers a lot of opportunities to diversify down the track.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully to get an advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering!
Any other advice?
I’d just like to say try it, if you think you might like it- try it!
Don’t think your stuck doing something you don’t like. Use your skills and find something you love doing!
