Passing a career's worth of mining knowledge onto the next generation

For most of us, 25 years of service seems like an incredible feat, but for Asset Training Coordinator, Michael, this is just half of his career story.

When Michael came to Bayswater (now called Mt Arthur Coal) in 2001, he already had almost 20 years mining experience under his belt.

Michael joined Bayswater as an Operator responsible for operating a range of equipment including trucks, dozers, excavators and loaders.

He said a career highlight was when the operation was taken over by BHP and he got to walk the new equipment onto site, including the world’s biggest excavators.

“I enjoyed having the opportunity to operate those bits of gear,” Michael said.

Because of the extent of his mining experience, Michael was often sort out for his knowledge.

“Once a shot goes off, you’ve got to know how to get the machine to that shot, how to load the overburden out in different benches, and get it into a state where the coal’s uncovered and ready for the coal crew to come in,” Michael said.

“I’m grateful for all the people who shared that knowledge with me, and I’ve enjoyed being able to pass that knowledge on to other people,” he said.

After about 15 years as an Operator at Mt Arthur Coal, Michael moved from a front-line role into a role responsible for supporting onsite training.

He said an important part of this work was using the simulators to train people how to operate a machine and follow emergency procedures before they used the real equipment.

Michael said training people to use equipment wasn’t always easy. 

“When you’re trying to train someone, they’re nervous, and you can be too,” Michael said.

“You can be trying to tell someone all the different things you want them to do and how to do it, but if they don’t feel comfortable, then it can be hard to get through to them,” he said.

“So, you’ve got to be able to find a way to break the ice and build rapport, so that they’re comfortable and listening properly.” 

During this time, Michael also did a couple of years as a Step-Up Supervisor in another team where he said he was mentored by a great person with a great attitude that helped shape his career.

“I received good advice at that time that helped me transition from my field role to my office role,” Michael said.

Michael now has a data-driven role that involves running compliance reports for different asset teams.

It’s been a long and varied career that’s given Michael a unique depth and breadth of mining experience, and Michael said passing that knowledge on has been his biggest achievement.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the progress people have made from when they arrived as trainees to where they are today and knowing I played a small part in their journey,” Michael said.

Congratulations Michael on your 25 years of service milestone at Mt Arthur Coal and thanks for your part in shaping it into the asset it is today.