Meet Kym, one of our dump truck operators at Clermont Coal
Did you know that currently only 16.7% of those working in mining across Australia are female?We know that’s a number that can and must be improved, which is why we’ve taken part in many initiatives with both our clients and independently to play our part in changing the industry, with our percentage of female employees in mining sitting above the national average at 21%.Mining has always had a pretty blokey image, however, the industry is starting to change. Each year the opportunities for women to build careers in the industry are increasing. One such woman is Kym, one of our employees out on site at Clermont Coal, who is not only a hard-working operator but a devoted mother. Kym’s site manager Samantha caught up with her to talk about working in the mines, and the key to balancing the job with parenthood.What is your background?After leaving school I spent a couple of years as an apprentice carpenter before moving into some sales positions. For the last 5 years I’ve focused on being a mum and being active in our local community with the local fire service and the SES.How do you balance being a mum and working on a mine site?The key is to focus on a plan and get organised. I have to meal prep a week in advance and be ready with school lunches. Letting go of the Mum guilt is the hardest, but I keep telling my girls and myself that my role in mining is benefiting our family and helps us afford the lifestyle we live and the holidays we take. With that, I’ve accepted that there will be good days and there will be bad days. We are very fortunate to have wonderful childcare- my mum looks after our children while we are on shift, so we know that they are in very capable hands. When I’m on night shift I will try to video call the girls before bed if my crib breaks line up. My mum is great for sending through photos and little updates during the day of what their up to as well! Then on days off we try to plan something special as a family to make up for the time away from them.How did you get your start in mining?I am lucky enough to live local and know quite a few people at Clermont coal. A very good friends husband handed my resume into the haulage superintendent at a time they were hiring greenies (new to industry). Within days I was lucky enough to get a call from WorkPac.What do you think are (if any) the main barriers are for women in mining, and how do you think they overcome the setbacks?I don’t believe there are any setbacks for women in mining. There are plenty of women on our site, from haulage, workshop, field maintenance and administration. Working your way to the top will not be an easy or a quick task, but that does not mean it cannot be done. So long as you focus on working hard and presenting yourself in a positive light to other people, you will have a good shot at successfully achieving everything that you want to in the mining world.What do you enjoy about work and why did you choose mining?I love coming to work each day, there hasn’t been a shift I haven’t wanted to be here. I get to be more than just mum. I get to drive 200 tonne dump trucks and get paid for it! Clermont isn’t really a huge place and jobs are very far between. My husband works at Clermont Coal, so does his brother, my sister and her husband, so I guess it’s the family tradition now.What is your 5-year goal?Our five-year goal is to still be here in Clermont and chipping away at those financial goals we set before moving here. I would love to be multi skilled on equipment by then and be part of the Emergency Response Team. One day I aspire to be a leader in our industry, showing women that anyone can do and be whatever they want.
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The Dos and Don'ts of Interview Wear
When it comes to a job interview, the first impression you make is crucial.In research conducted by Classes and Careers involving over 2,000 hiring managers, 33% said they know if they’ll hire someone within the first 90 seconds of an interview. One simple way to make a positive impression from the get-go is wearing the right outfit, so keep reading for our dos and don’ts of interview wear!Do: tailor your outfit for the company/roleThe way you dress for the interview will depend on both the type of role you’re going for and the company you’re interviewing with.If you’re going for a professional role in an office environment, stick to business wear. However, if it’s for a role in a work environment with a less formal dress code, such as hospitality, retail, or trades, business casual will be suitable. Business casual is more flexible, but there’s a few basic rules you should follow: nice pants or a skirt, a nice practical shirt, and smart shoes.Do: wear appropriate footwearNo matter the role you’re interviewing for, leave the thongs and sneakers at home! For men, dress shoes or a smart pair of boots are the way to go. For women, a nice pair of shoes like loafers, heels or ballet flats are usually your best bet.Do: prepare beforehandYou should never leave it until the day of the interview to decide what you’re going to wear. Take the time a few days before (in case an item you want to wear needs a wash) to pick out an outfit.Don't: forget to iron!It’s one thing to have an outfit prepared for your interview, but always make sure you take that extra step and iron the night before if needed. If you’re rushing out the door on the day of the interview you may not get the time to do it, and crinkled clothing will make you look unprofessional.Don't: underdressIf you’re really not sure what to wear, remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed! As a general rule, clothing such as singlets and shorts are too casual and won’t be considered appropriate interview wearDon't: forget basic grooming beforehandWhile wearing the right outfit is important in making a great first impression, also be sure that you’ve done any necessary grooming beforehand. Make sure that your hair looks neat and tidy and wear some perfume or cologne (just be sure not to use too much)!For more tips, check out our infographic which cover 34 crucial tips for your next job interview.
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