The Byrnecut Group’s diversity and inclusion vision is to build an industry-leading culture of inclusion, where all people are supported to achieve their potential and are valued for the diverse, individual qualities they bring to work.
Byrnecut is striving to turn the dial in the representation of women in our workforce and has commenced a number of programs to increase access to work in the mining industry.
Recently, Byrnecut has been running introductory Women in Mining events to showcase what life in various mining careers might look like. These events provide women with a firsthand opportunity to experience operating large machinery using training simulators in the virtual realm, and to speak to some of the many female leaders, who already enjoy successful careers in mining with Byrnecut.
Byrnecut has received many awards for its training programs, so it makes sense that these programs are at the forefront of diversity initiatives. Byrnecut is actively seeking to increase female participation in their apprenticeship program. They are working hard at engaging with schools and TAFE’s and attending expos and events where there is strong encouragement for females in mining.
One of Byrnecut’s success stories is Jasmine Arnold. Jasmine commenced with Byrnecut in January 2021 to complete a light vehicle apprenticeship that had been commenced elsewhere. She successfully completed the program and achieved the apprenticeship in September 2022.
After several months of working as a qualified LV mechanic, Jasmine has decided to go ahead and complete a mobile plant mechanic qualification in order to be able to work on heavier machinery. Jasmine is a dedicated, hardworking and very determined apprentice who Byrnecut strongly supports her pursuit of a second trade, and in doing so, she is helping to solve the skills shortage crisis.
Another great example of Byrnecut’s success is Simone, who was one of the initial group of people exposed to mining through their diversity and inclusion program over two years ago.
Simone had a background in personal training, and was looking for a career change. Whilst she had never considered mining the opportunity presented itself and she decided to take up the challenge of driving heavy-duty vehicles with Byrnecut.
“I can safely say I can reverse a truck way better than my Hyundai Accent, it’s way bigger but I absolutely loved it! ”
Simone has since progressed beyond truck driving, completed her Certificate IV with Byrnecut and is now a Safety Officer at one of their South Australian operations, setting the example and leading the way for other women joining the team every day.
Since she’s joined Byrnecut, she has seen the number of women on site increase dramatically, not just in the office but also underground. She attributes much of this change to the culture and opportunity that Byrnecut represents.
“I see mining as an opportunity, the opportunity to grow within a fair workplace with a great culture. And it all comes down from your senior project managers to your truckies. We all treat each other the same. ”
Talking to Simone you can quickly see the passion and enthusiasm she has for working in mining and with Byrnecut. When asked if she had any advice for other women contemplating the change to mining she was clear…
“Be confident knowing that there are places where you can step up. You don’t have to be a man in a man’s world to work up here. You can be a woman and be able to be successful.”
Byrnecut continues to strive to hire, train and promote people from diverse backgrounds on all of our worksites. Learn more about career opportunities and watch Simone’s full video interview at byrnecut.com/careers-in-mining
