Being told how an engine works is one thing but getting your hands dirty repairing a cylinder head gasket leak on a 363 tonne mining truck is something else entirely.

That’s just one example of what an apprentice at Olympic Dam might find themselves facing as they begin learning the skills needed for a career in mining.

There are many reasons to pursue a career in mining, and within mining, the maintenance team is one of the largest and most important.

They are responsible for ensuring all the heavy machinery operates reliably, and conduct repairs when something goes wrong.

And because that machinery is incredibly complicated, an apprenticeship is the best way to learn while get into a fulfilling career.

At the Olympic Dam apprentice workshop, apprentices are given the chance to get their hands dirty on all sorts of machinery.

Whether it’s taking apart an engine, or welding and fabricating custom pieces, the workshop gives apprentices all the tools they need to learn their trade.

While most of the apprentices are fairly young, BHP gives opportunities to apprentices at any age who are keen to start a new career.

And upskilling is also available for people like Trista who is studying mechanical engineering.

Trista had been a machine operator for six years and wanted to learn how to fix them.

‘I’ve always wanted a trade to take home and just want to broaden my skillset as far as I can, learn new things,’ she says.

For her colleague Daniel, his main motivation is fixing things and problem solving, so he is doing a heavy diesel fitter trade.

Regardless of what inspires someone to join BHP as an apprentice, being given both the academic and practical knowledge on site allows for a better understanding of not only the role, but the industry in general.

Even more important are the skillsets and knowledge that can be the foundation of a long and rewarding career, in mining or elsewhere.

Investing in creating skilled labour is just one part of the apprenticeship program.

The transfer of skills and knowledge from experienced miners to the next generation of workers is critical for preserving valuable expertise and ensuring that operations can continue. But perhaps one of the best things about the apprenticeship program is bringing a new way of thinking.

The exchange between the experience of old hands and the fresh perspective of a new generation can lead to change and improvements that benefit everyone.

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https://www.bhp.com/sustainability/communities/programs/2024/07/olympic-dam-apprentice-workshop