From Taking a Punt to Landing a Gig - How Luke Buckton Got Lucky
Who are you?Name: Luke Buckton Position: Warehouse Forklift Operator Client: NationalWarehouse Supply ChainTell us About Your Journey4 years ago, on the 27th of May 2018 to be precise, I rode my bike into a parked car. That was not a lucky day for me. After the prang I spent the next 7 months in the Townsville Hospital, then 2 months in the Mackay Hospital. I continue with rehab to this day. I won’t lie. It’s been hard. As a result of the accident, I ended up with brain and leg injury. Before the mishap, I was a Queensland Manager at Parker Hannifin for 4 years at Moranbah, where I looked after a staff of 15 people. My luck improved at WorkPac, who I joined last year before Christmas. I now work as a warehouse forklift operator. It’s been great. They have supported me fully throughout my journey. I feel truly valued in the warehouse. It’s really helped bring back my humour too, which I’ve been told is outstanding – as I enjoy sharing a laugh with any visitor. How did you land your role with WorkPac?To be honest, my wife’s sister suggested I put my name forward and just take a punt. What do you most enjoy about your job?Sarah, my recruiter, was great in helping me find a role. She’s also been really good moral support. She helped me land a job I like, where I enjoy getting the work done.
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- MINING INDUSTRY
- JOBS IN THE MINES
From Tennis To FIFO, And Gardening – How Paige Balanced Her Work & Life
Who are you?Name: Paige NewhillPosition: StorepersonClient: Rio Tinto DSLTell us About Your Journey I had previously moved to Dunsborough where I set up a successful, but busy, tennis clinic. Now, a decade on and with my children older, I wanted more time with family. These days I have a bunch of regular, enjoyable tasks in our family garden, but working Monday to Friday at the clinic with only 2 days off was not giving me the time I needed to enjoy the outdoors. I wanted to take the next step towards a better work/life balance. How did you land your role with WorkPac? A friend and former colleague, who now worked with Rio Tinto in Tools, asked if I was interested in a FIFO Warehousing role. I thought it would be a great opportunity. The 8:6 FIFO lifestyle is perfect and really enjoyable for me, so I said yes. I submitted my resume knowing it would be FIFO. Soon after, the Warehouse Supervisor at Rio Tinto called and offered me the role through WorkPac.The Supervisor said someone would next contact me about onboarding. Just as he promised, a WorkPac Recruitment Coordinator called soon afterward. She helped me set up a profile on myworkpac.com and ensured my information, like bank details, etc, was correctly submitted. The mobilisation process was completed very easily with inductions, PPE and Travel details sent through quickly after my medical. I was equally excited and overwhelmed by the role. Once I got to site, the Coordinator checked on me frequently to make sure I was okay. She conducted many care calls. There was a lot of support. I appreciated it all a lot. Onsite, I also met the WorkPac Site Manager. He showed equal support and commitment to myself and other WorkPac employees. What do you most enjoy about your job? People's support has been invaluable. They have taught and nurtured me a lot over the years. I am immensely grateful to them. When I started, I was on the 3T forklift. Now, after training, I can operate the 25T forklift. Everyone has boosted my confidence and helped push me to excel. I really enjoy interactions with the different people who come to the front counter. I like the customer service side of this role. My team is so good! I enjoy working with them because we all support one another. The comradeship is amazing. On a personal note, onsite, I get to enjoy beautiful sunrises and amazing sunsets each day. The landscape here is full of beauty. I feel really blessed at this job, almost as much as when I'm with family in my own garden which I can now enjoy even more than before.
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- MINING INDUSTRY
- JOBS IN THE MINES
From Caribbean Captain To Rio Tinto – How Oliver Landed A Big Career Catch
Who are you?Name: Oliver DubockPosition: Regional OperatorClient: Rio Tinto DSLTell us about your journeyMy journey to where I am now is probably a little unusual. My background is actually in Marine Ecology. Two years ago I was captain of a dive boat in the Caribbean. I met my partner on an island there. However, after a decade at sea, I decided it was time for a change. My partner originally came from Melbourne. Having never even been to Australia, we decided it would be a great opportunity to visit and try our luck at a lap of Australia.We saved hard and booked a flight. We even got engaged along the way. Upon arriving, we started our adventure by buying a car and van. Of course, things went awry when COVID hit as it forced us into lockdown in WA. With neither of us working, funds started to dwindle. Some friends we met while traveling made their way up to Port Hedland. They invited us to join them. We did. My partner took on some work. I applied for my spousal visa. I was keen to start in a new industry, having grown up with machinery on a farm where I operated large equipment of one kind or another for most of my life. The Pilbara was a great fit. Once my visa was approved, I got to work looking for work. The rest is history.How did you land your role with WorkPac?I heard about WorkPac through my partners’ friend. They recommended them to get into a new industry, so I submitted my resume online. It wasn’t long before I was invited to an onsite interview with a supervisor. It must have gone well because I landed the job. After a short period of inductions, I started my Regional Operator role as a contractor with WorkPac at RioTinto DSL Port Hedland.What are your career/personal goals?I really enjoy the role I landed. I’ve learnt a lot in a short period of time. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to work with some amazing and experienced people. My goal is to continue growing and learning in this industry. One day I hope to move into a managerial role where I can encourage and help new starts pursue their dream path.How did WorkPac help you along your career path?WorkPac was instrumental in getting me started and enabling me to grow in my new profession. From the beginning, with the application process being so easy to follow, there was always help available if I needed it. This made it much easier to get into my desired career.What do you enjoy most about your job?I suppose it’s the people I work with that really make my job most enjoyable. That and getting to drive massive machines all day.
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- MINING INDUSTRY
- JOBS IN THE MINES
How the right mindset and attitude can lead to a permanent role at Rio Tinto
WorkPac would like to congratulate Marley, one of several WorkPac employees at the Mesa A site who have gone permanent with Rio!In late 2017 WorkPac and JobTrail underwent a recruitment drive in the Pilbara region focused on offering young Indigenous job seekers who were interested in mining a pathway into the industry. Marley was part of a Robe Valley assessment centre run by the JobTrail team where he was a standout candidate and landed a role as a trainee operator on site at Mesa A.Throughout his entire traineeship Marley’s work performance has been of the highest level and he has been a great team player. Our Site Manager for Mesa A, Kath Collins, caught up with Marley’s Supervisor Dean to learn more about what earned him a permanent position.“Marley is a positive young guy. He is a very productive worker and is always the first to put his hand up for other jobs when the trucks are down. He is a real go getter of a young bloke, and that is why we progressed him. Everyone in the team speaks highly of him. I am confident that Marley will be a great asset to our team and will go a long way with Rio Tinto” he said.When asked what advice he would give to other young people looking for a career in mining, Marley emphasised the importance of keeping a good attitude on site.“Definitely, the number one thing is to have a good attitude. Don’t let the information overload get to you or overwhelm you at first- because there is so much to learn! … There is a lot of adjusting to do at first, but ease into it and be willing to keep an open mind about it all. Be willing and eager to learn, be flexible, and give everything a go!”Kath also spoke with Marley about the best parts of the job, who spoke highly about the Mesa A site and crew.“I would have to say the People, I work with a great bunch of people who make it enjoyable to come to work and catch up. Mesa A is a great Site. The crews are pretty small, so you get to know everyone really well, and feel part of a close team. I felt part of the team from the moment I got out here. Finally, it is a great learning environment, there is always something new learn, and Mesa A and the managers are really encouraging of that”Marley is a fantastic example of how the right attitude and mindset can lead to great things, and a great role model for all those looking to crack into the industry. We would like to wish him the best of luck as he continues his mining career with Rio Tinto- we’re sure he’s going to go far!
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WorkPac Has Proudly Returned to Kalgoorlie
WorkPac are proud to be re-opening our doors in Kalgoorlie for the first time since 2012.WorkPac’s Business Centre Manager for Kalgoorlie, Mr. Andrew Zafer, said the move was facilitated by a recent shift in the metal market.“We’ve been anticipating this boom for a while as rare earths generally follow the same pattern as Iron Ore, which has been starting to thrive again after winding back a bit over the past few years.”“We’re working predominately in the mining sector, but we’re also recruiting for waste management and a variety of trades roles including boilermakers, fitters, electricians, poly welders, drillers and driller offsiders”“We also have roles ranging from Fixed Plant and Loader Operators to administration staff, so I’d encourage anyone looking for work in the area to get in touch with the team about what’s available.”“Being the flagship business centre for Kalgoorlie, the office has been recently refurbished and we’re extremely proud of the space we’re working in.”“We’re in a fantastic, central location in town, so we’re very easy for locals to find” he said.WorkPac is well established in Western Australia, having opened our first business centre in Perth in 1997: since then we have opened an additional eight business centres in the State.With the reopening of Kalgoorlie, Mr. Zafer says the company will be further expanding services to both job seekers and clients in WA.“WorkPac already widely operates across Western Australia with Business Centres in Bunbury, Karratha, Newman, Perth, Port Hedland, Rockingham and Tom Price, and we look forward to continuing this work in Kalgoorlie”.“It’s also very important to us to contribute to the communities we operate in, and we’re excited to start reintegrating with the Kalgoorlie community”“We’ve hired a close-knit team to begin with, and we encourage those living within the region to get in touch with us.”WorkPac Kalgoorlie is located at Unit 2, 118 Brookman Street, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430, and is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.Local job seekers and employers seeking workers in the Kalgoorlie region are encouraged to visit the office or call the team on 08 9099 9322.
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WorkPac opens a new recruitment office in Perth as their work with Rio Tinto continues to grow
Previously working from the Perth office, WorkPac’s Rio Tinto Project Services team have moved to their own space.Australia’s largest privately-owned recruitment company WorkPac have opened their second office in Perth, the city where they opened their first business centre in 1997.The second office is dedicated to WorkPac’s Rio Tinto Project Services team, who manage recruitment for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.The Project Services team was created in 2017 as a dedicated team servicing Rio Tinto and have since shared an office space with the Perth Business Centre, but as both those teams have continued to expand the need for a new location became apparent.Business Centre Manager for Project Services, Mr. Dennis Blewitt, said the move is telling of how far WorkPac has come since it was first founded.“Perth is the city where WorkPac was founded, and now 21 years and over 40 business centres later, it’s a proud moment for everyone that we’re opening our second office here.”“It’s also an especially proud moment for myself and my team, as a reflection of all the hard work we’ve put in over the past year.”“This move is not only going to give us the space we need now, but room to continue to grow in the future.”“Having our own space separate from the Perth office is also going to make it easier for candidates to find us for interviews and training”.Mr Blewitt is looking forward to continuing working with both Rio Tinto and job seekers in WA.“We’re very fortunate to have Rio as one of our major clients, and our partnership will continue to focus on finding great roles for great people with an Australian icon”.“I look forward to continuing to provide them with the best service possible”.The new office is in the same building as the Perth Office at 31 Ventnor Avenue in West Perth, with the Perth team being located on level 3 and the Project Services team on the ground floor.Those looking for work with Rio Tinto in the region can get in touch with the team at riojobs@workpac.com or by calling 1300 498 559.Anyone seeking staff in the Perth Region is encouraged to check out our page on Recruitment in Perth
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WorkPac's Guide to Coal Mining for Operators
Are you an experienced Operator looking for work in Coal Mining? Check out our infographic below for information on where the roles are, the qualifications needed, and what recruiters look for.For information on Entry Level Operator roles, stay tuned for our next post over the coming weeks.Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming posts on Entry Level Coal Mining roles and the types of machinery used on coal sites!You can check out our available roles here or contact your nearest office here
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Women In Mining Infographic
Women in mining only make up 15% of the sector. We know as an industry we have to do better and if we want things to change it's up to us to lead the way.WorkPac surveyed 675 women in Western Australia to understand what attracts them to the mining industry and what their work preferences are.These results will shape recruitment strategies to increase participation of women in mining the workforce.Our Women in Mining infographic shows what they said ... WorkPac together with Fortescue Metals Group, a global leader in the mining market, are reaching out to women who have ever thought about a career in mining or who are considering a return to the industry. Click here to register your interest in working for WorkPac at one of Fortescue Metals' mines. Why is this important? Why is it critical to have women in mining? Gender parity in the workplace is not only an issue of fairness but is about attracting the best talent. Women account for half the world's population and if they don't achieve their full economic potential, our economy suffers, says the McKinsey Global Institute. If you're excluding half the population from your recruitment process, you're simply not hiring from the best talent pool available. A study by the McKinsey Global Institute finds that the world economy could add $12 trillion in growth over the next decade if countries meet the best-in-region scores for improving women’s participation in the labor force. The Credit Suisse Research Institute found that companies with female directors on the board outperformed all-male boards across growth, productivity and return on equity. This doesn't just apply to our boardrooms. Teams with lower percentages of women have lower sales and lower profits than teams with a balanced gender mix. Performance and productivity is higher across gender neutral crews, teams and departments.The correlation between gender balanced teams and financial performance is addressed in many studies, examples can be found at the Australian Government's Workplace Gender Equality Agency and Harvard University's Kennedy School to name a few.Last year, Fortescue Mining Group appointed two new female directors, former Leighton executive Penny Bingham-Hall and Deloitte partner Jennifer Morris, to replace two men retiring from the board.Six of the 10 board of directors are women and Fortescue’s chairman and founder, Andrew Forrest, told Women's Agenda that the diversity of the board has been critical and "a natural evolution" for the company.Fortescue’s share price grew by 400 per cent in 2016 and Mr Forrest says while merit-based hiring is a given, "diversity is an extremely strong factor in merit. If you have no women on your board and you are looking at a new director with approximately equal skills, for the sake of your shareholders choose diversity."Interested in mining jobs in WA? Click here to search resources jobs in Western Australia.Sources:http://www.mckinsey.com/global-themes/employment-and-growth/how-advancing-womens-equality-can-add-12-trillion-to-global-growthhttp://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/boardroom-gender-balance-improving-but-much-work-to-do/news-story/b51e1aaaf18398362e983b7fe584b797https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/eds-blog/how-fortescue-metal-has-a-board-dominated-by-women/
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NRL legend Scott Prince joins the WorkPac Group to deliver Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment program in Queensland
Scott Prince, new ambassador for Indigenous employment program, Murri’s in the Mines, is encouraging Indigenous WorkPac employees to complete their traineeship and build a career in mining.15 Indigenous participants have started their Certificate III in Surface Extraction at Rio Tinto’s Hail Creek Mine in Central Queensland.WorkPac and its Indigenous division JobTrail is delivering the program with mentoring provided by Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service.Murri’s in the Mines ensures Indigenous trainee operators have the right support at home and in the workplace to finish their traineeships and grow their careers.Scott will go onsite as the program’s ambassador, meeting with participants and their supervisors to provide support and motivation to the 15 trainees currently completing the program.Scott says he got involved in the program to support and encourage Indigenous trainees to be successful in their pursuits in the mining sector.“I think that like footy, the workplace offers individuals the opportunities to perform and succeed, but it’s not without challenges,” Scott said.“My father Les was a miner in Mount Isa, without his hard work, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my football career.”“I’m proud to offer support to these guys and girls who are starting out in mining. I’ve seen first-hand with my dad; a mining career really helps provide for your family and gives back to your community and hopefully we’ll see another Maroons halfback come out of a mining town.”Scott’s work as an ambassador for Indigenous community programs demonstrates his strong commitment to increasing Indigenous participation in the education, training and employment space, says JobTrail National Manager, Julian Genn.“Being a proud Aboriginal from the Kalkadoon tribe in the Mount Isa region makes Scott someone our participants can relate to and look up to,” said Julian.“Scott is a well-known ex-NRL player and his profile will bring exposure to the program and help increase employment in the local Indigenous community”.To learn more about WorkPac’s Indigenous division JobTrail, click hereTo download a copy of our Reconciliation Action Plan, click here
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Infographic on Mining Jobs in the Pilbara
WorkPac surveyed over 250 Western Australians to understand what’s important to people working and living in the Pilbara.Check out our infographic on favourite rosters, job roles, pay, how many workers FIFO, what influences people to relocate and more. Call your local business centre todayWorkPac Karratha +61 8 9159 6622WorkPac Newman +61 8 9177 9722WorkPac Port Hedland +61 8 9158 5522WorkPac Tom Price +61 8 9189 2922
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