Wilpinjong mine has welcomed another round of new apprentices through its partnership with Skillset - which ensures that the new recruits are 100 per cent local.
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The six new diesel mechanic and auto electrical apprentices will hone their skills in the workshop for the next four years working on the mine's fleet of haul trucks, excavators, dozers and heavy equipment.
"All of our 2019 apprentices come from the local Mudgee and Gulgong region and we're really pleased to give local young people the opportunity to continue to live and work close to their families and the regional communities they grew up in," general manager of Wilpinjong, Blair Jackson, said.
New apprentice Ellie Riley made the switch from childcare to start a new career.
"It's great here at Wilpinjong, everyone's really supportive and they always show me how to do things. Coming to work here every day, getting to see everyone and work on the big equipment every day - it's so exciting," she said.
"I've always been one to prove to myself and other people that I can do anything. I was in the rugby team, I go camping, I do up cars with my mates and here's no different. I don't get treated differently because I'm a girl, it's like yes you can do it.
"I don't come to work and think 'oh it's just another day at work'. I come to work and it's like 'well what am I doing today, what's new today, who am I going to be with'."
Fellow new recruit, Will Bates said, "I've always had an interest in heavy machinery and I went for the Peabody application and got offered it and so here I am. It's great, I start at 6.30 every day, I come out here and get to go around with mentors that have had great experience and they teach me how to do things".
"Just the sheer size of the machines is amazing. You go and stand next to one of the tyres and you can't even touch the top of it - it's just phenomenal the size of them.
"All the mines have a reputation for offering great work in a safe environment and you get a lot of experience, lovely blokes out here and that appealed to me to want to come out and do my apprenticeship out here."
