Meet Chantelle Davey, a new starter at BHP. With a trade and engineering background, Chantelle is excited to join BHP’s Operations Services as a Maintenance Superintendent. 

After finishing high school, Chantelle signed up for an apprenticeship which saw her become a qualified fitter and turner. 

“When I commenced my apprenticeship, I was one of six females and I was the only one to complete it,” Chantelle said.   

“Many times the going got tough – I was young, a female and trying out for a trade. I recall leaning into the support available from SALT Australia to help get through. 

“SALT stands for ‘Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen’ – and that was certainly the case for me. Their support and encouragement helped me to stay the course and get my trade qualification.”

BHP is proud to partner with SALT as a major sponsor of the upcoming SALT Women in Trades Australia Conference in Sydney on 18 and 19 October 2019. 

“I’m excited to be a part of BHP’s team at this year’s SALT Conference. Organisations like SALT are a critical support network for women embarking on a trade,” Chantelle said. 

Chantelle describes herself as a curious learner and one never shy of a challenge. Two and half years into her apprenticeship she also took on formal tertiary studies in mechanical engineering which she completed in three years. 

Armed with both a trade and a degree, Chantelle worked as a fitter and turner for three years before applying these skills in a number of realms.  

For example, she led quality assurance on a large, high profile project for the Australian Defence Force. Later, she ventured into project management where she oversaw tank rebuilds, pipeline redesigns and maintenance works for project budgets in excess of $2 million. 

Chantelle and her husband Luke recently relocated to Queensland from Victoria to join BHP’s Operations Services. 

Continuing her lifelong learning, Chantelle is now studying for an MBA as she has plans to one day step into a senior leadership role.  

BHP Operations Services is hiring and offering permanent operator and maintainer roles across Australia. Find out more at www.bhp.com/os