From CMC To Working Life – Tom Bennett

Tom Bennett graduated from Catherine McAuley College in 2021. He completed his Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and was extremely focused on getting an electrical apprenticeship in the mines. Careers Practitioner, Mrs Mehgan Dickson, was able to assist him with contacts at local mines through the Minerals Council of Australia and he went on to secure his dream job.

Tom Bennett, Mandalay Resources (Costerfield) 2^nd Year Electrical Apprentice

After leaving Year 12, I took a particular interest in electrical but I knew I wanted to do more than just be a domestic sparky. I liked the idea of getting into mining, so I approached my careers officer, Mehgan Dickson, who contacted the Minerals Council and provided me with some information and potential pathways into the job. After applying at both local mines (Costerfield and Fosterville), which would allow me to stay in Bendigo, I was lucky enough to get some work experience at Costerfield.

This all come about two weeks after my final exam. I started with general tasks around the mine for about a month before I was lucky enough to get an interview for an Electrical Apprentice position. I was offered the role and started in January 2022. As well as the work I do, I am  still required to complete trade school to gain my Electrician’s A Grade licence. My day-to-day tasks consist of maintenance and breakdown work, with occasional project work. These involve things such as drill services/breakdowns, remote loader setups and breakdowns, general power maintenance both on the surface and underground, underground communications, pump rebuilds and many more tasks.

This job has also allowed me to become an onsite Emergency Response Team (ERT) member. I am trained in emergency response, gaining first aid qualifications and undertaking Certificate III courses in Underground Mine Rescue, Road Crash Accident Response, Vertical/Rope Rescue and many more tickets. The ERT responds to all onsite emergencies and is a first responder to community emergencies close to site.

The mining industry is extremely broad and offers many different roles for people of all different fitness and skill levels, with plenty of opportunities for career advancement. Some roles include electricians, heavy and light diesel mechanics, geologists, engineers, human resources, mill operators, underground operators and environmentalists to name a few. Many of these roles pay quite well, which is also a bonus! The mining industry offers surface and underground jobs, depending on the role you choose and the type of mine you work at.

For the future I want to complete my apprenticeship and further my skills, gaining High Voltage and Optic Fibre tickets. Eventually I would like to progress my career to a management role of some description within the mining industry.

Tom Bennett (second from left) with Mandalay Resources Costerfield Operations colleagues