BEN, MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
In 2011, Ben saw an advertisement offering light vehicle mechanics an opportunity to start a career in the mining industry through on the job training and a trade upgrade programme.
As a young mechanic wanting to set himself up for the future, Ben applied for one of the trainee drill fitter positions and started his journey with ADB.
In 2022, Maintenance Supervisor Ben achieved 10 years service with Action Drill & Blast.
In the 10 years that Ben has worked with ADB, he has completed a Trade Upgrade to Heavy Diesel Mechanic, completed his Cert IV Leadership Management and participated in ADB’s in-house Project Leadership Development Programme.
Ben has also progressed from his original Trainee Drill Fitter role to Drill Fitter, then Leading Hand and is currently one of ADB’s Maintenance Supervisors.
We asked Ben about his experience changing trades to become a Drill Fitter “Coming from a light vehicle background and going straight into working on surface mining equipment, the biggest challenge was getting to know the machinery. But that is also what I like most about being a Drill Fitter, the mental and physical challenges of diagnosing the complex systems of a drill rig.”
We also asked Ben what he likes most about working for ADB and his response is one we hear often – the people. “What I like most about ADB is the family we build with one another – looking out for one another.”
Ben’s career progression is a great testament to his determination and dedication to make the most of the training and opportunities Action Drill & Blast presented to him.
His advice to anyone thinking of a drill fitter career is “‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ start your way from the bottom and work your way up. This will give you better appreciation and help you develop into a better person.”
We’re proud of Ben and his achievements and we are also proud of the opportunities and work environment we create for our people.