Trainee Success: Q&A with Lacey Davis
We sat down with Lacey Davis, a standout Batchfire production trainee, to chat about how she’s enjoying her training aboard the incredible array of machinery at Callide Mine.
Thanks for sitting down with us to chat about your traineeship so far, Lacey. How did you find out about the training program that Batchfire offers?
I found out about the program through school, in grade 12. They are very big on advertising potential jobs after school. I also found out about it from ATQLD, because I was looking at a lot of engineering and building paths. I was going for my white card, and it was advertised there as well so I applied online!
That’s great to hear! What inspired you to pursue a machinery operator role with Batchfire?
My parents and a lot of my family have worked in mining and they encouraged me, but I also knew it was a really great opportunity. The traineeship that I am doing covers four skills, which is not an easy thing to get nowadays. So, I thought to myself, ‘that’s going to be an awesome job, and I am going to be set up!’
In Biloela the mine is definitely a top option. So originally when I was applying for jobs at the end of high school, I went for most of the apprenticeships. I didn’t even know this was an option that you could do! So, with the encouragement of my family and friends I decided I would just apply for the traineeship too and then I got it!
You were also once a work experience student with us, right? Did that time on-site influence you to pursue a career with Batchfire?
Yes, it definitely did! I completed work experience in the office with the environment and community team, then I came back again a year later and tried the workshop. It helped because I already knew the mine culture and environment I was going into. I got to have a look at what it’s like and I remember thinking, ‘this place is cool!’
When I was a kid, I also always thought that I would end up here or at one of the other big industries in town. I would say, “I’m going to work in one of those!” So, the work experience definitely convinced me to work here and that this was the place to be.
We’re thrilled to hear that you loved your time here as a work experience student. Do you have a favourite memory on-site so far?
I wouldn’t say there is an exact moment; yet when my trainer was here, she told me that I was done with my training, and that I had excelled so far. She came for a drive around with me and she said that she was proud of me!
When people acknowledge that I am doing well, I really appreciate that. It’s a very supportive environment here. The positive feedback that I get from not only the supervisors, but the crew members too, is definitely my favourite thing. I’m really glad that I ended up on this crew, because people aren’t afraid to uplift each other which I think is good; I want to give them a big group hug!
It sounds like you’re having a blast, which we love to hear! What is your favourite part about operating machinery?
My favourite part is that it’s rewarding, especially being on the grader, which is what I’ve been on lately. Watching a road with soft spots, then being able to grade it up, is very fulfilling. You can see what you’ve done, and you think ‘I’ve just fixed this whole road.’ So, my favourite machine so far is the grader!
That must be a great feeling so far! What achievement are you most proud of?
The achievement so far that I am proud of is getting my skills in the time that I have. Being able to focus, taking what people tell me onboard and applying advice. I’ve really listened to my trainers, even when I first started on trucks. They said to me, “you need to watch what the graders do, you need to watch what the dozers do, you need to watch what everything does because you are going to do that one day.” So just getting my skills as quickly as I have been!
You’re a superstar, Lacey! Have there been challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest thing everyone would say to me when I first got here was to ask questions. At first, I didn’t want to because I thought people would think I was dumb. I have realised now that that’s not true at all. I’ll now come in and ask my trainer anything and they will tell me. So, it’s important to always ask the question.
I was grateful to have good trainers; they set you up for success. Even now there’s still things I will need to ask them. So, I’ll come onto crib and I’ll sit with them if they are there and will draw pictures about the certain challenge that I am facing and ask how I can fix what I have done. They will then help me resolve the problem by stepping through the solution with me. It is really good that I can come and talk to them. Even after I have done my training on something everyone is still very approachable and happy to answer my questions.
It’s always better to ask the question – you’re right! What advice would you give to people considering entering the resources industry, or even people wanting to operate machinery?
I think they should definitely do it! I can’t speak for the other crews, but our crew is excellent for training, and everyone is optimistic and lifts each other up. My supervisor has really pushed my training which has been good, and I have really enjoyed it. I would recommend applying for a job if there’re any future openings, because it’s a really great opportunity and you can set yourself up for life in resources in the span of a two-year traineeship.
The long shifts usually get to some people, but once you start out and you get a good crew, it’s not that hard anymore, because you’re working with people you can talk to and get along with, and then it’s like hanging out with your friends for 12 hours.
That’s great advice Lacey! Thank you so much for sitting down with us today. We can’t wait to see where your career at Batchfire Resources takes you.
To find out more about Batchfire you can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or contact us here.
