apprentice, mining

Greg's opportunity of a lifetime

Last year Greg Saunders was working in Uluru on a camel tour. 

It led him to Western Australia where he started work on a station, and developed a keen interest in mechanics. 

When he returned home to Rockhampton in Central Queensland he took the chance and applied for an apprenticeship and this year started as a diesel fitter at our BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Peak Downs Mine in the Bowen Basin. 

Greg is one of 51 apprentices in the 2022 intake, who are based at BMA’s operations learning a range of trades including, electrical, mechanical, diesel fitting, auto-electrical and boilermaking.

The skills learned throughout the apprenticeship will support the cohort to build a career in the resource industry. 

Greg said the apprenticeship is an opportunity of a lifetime. 

“Some people will search their whole life to find something that makes them happy,” he said. 

"Some are lucky that they find it straight away, I’ve always been telling people it’s not a job if you love what you do. 

“I’ve never been more excited to get experience, and a trade behind you where there are so many avenues and opportunities.” 

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance has a long history of investing in skills and training, as well as creating pathways and employment opportunities for the next generation of miners.