17 November 2020
Lorraine Anderson was sitting on her back deck at home with her husband watching her dogs play when she received a phone call from BHP’s recruitment team.
“I was almost speechless, and that’s rare for me,” Lorraine laughed.
“Unfortunately, I had just been retrenched from my previous job, and at 62 years of age, I felt that my future working career looked bleak.”
It was only earlier that month that Lorraine saw a job advertisement for a Maintenance Technician for BHP’s Operations Services (OS).
“Despite my vast experience working in a high-profile brand’s warehouse in Brisbane, I thought I wasn’t good enough, so I didn’t think I should apply,” Lorraine said. “That’s when the talent acquisition manager saw my resume on Seek and called me!”
After interviewing for the position and passing the qualifying steps, Lorraine landed the job.
“It was such a great boost to my confidence,” Lorraine said. “I started the onboarding process, and within a matter of weeks, I joined the tool store as a Maintenance Technician in Mobile Maintenance at BMA's Saraji Mine in Central Queensland.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be wearing the BHP uniform!”
Lorraine said she approached her first days with trepidation, but the team welcomed her with open arms.
“I found OS to be incredibly inclusive and diverse with people from all walks of life and demographics,” Lorraine said.
“I still remember being in awe of the sheer size of the trucks. I realised they were big, but seeing them up close was eye-opening. In a previous life, I drove road-trains interstate, thinking they were big machines. This was on a whole other level!
“I have such a fantastic relationship with my team on ‘C Crew’. I love the personal interaction I have with everyone. I truly won the job lottery; it’s the happiest experience of my working career,” Lorraine said.
Over the past year, Lorraine said she’s learnt about the industry and the different facets that play an essential role in a mine site.
“It’s been great to learn and understand how my position in the tool shop fits into the big puzzle,” Lorraine said.
“I’ve been able to visit different areas of the workplace, where I was able to appreciate the size of the Saraji mine site.”
Looking to the future, Lorraine said she’s eager to explore the different career opportunities OS offers.
“I’m new to the mining industry, but I know there are so many different roles I’m capable of doing,” Lorraine said.
“To anyone who’s looking for a new career or job, trust your experience and know there are fantastic companies out there who provide incredible careers for everyone.
“There’s a lot of life left in this girl, and I can’t wait to see where I end up next!” Lorraine said.
Find out more about a role with BHP Operations Services at www.bhp.com/os.
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