Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Bray Tait, and I’m a second-year apprentice boilermaker and fabricator at Bryan Bodies Australia.

When did you start in the mining industry, and what was your first job?

I started my apprenticeship with BBA in 2023, working as a boilermaker and fabricator apprentice.

How different is your job now from what you wanted to be when you were a kid?

It’s completely different! When I was a kid, I wanted to be a police officer. Life took me in a different direction, and I’ve found something I really enjoy.

What does a usual day at work look like?

A usual day involves building and customising equipment for trucks. It’s hands-on work that requires attention to detail and problem-solving.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Definitely the people I work with. They make tough days better.

What’s the worst thing about your job?

The heavy lifting and the occasional burns from welding – it’s part of the job, but it’s never fun.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

Learning so many new skills at once and trying to retain everything has been a challenge. It’s a steep learning curve, but it’s rewarding when things click.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Seeing the finished products leave the workshop. It’s a great feeling knowing I had a hand in creating something that will be put to good use.

What’s something about your job that would surprise other people?

How much precision is required in the work. It’s not just welding things together, there’s a lot of thought and planning that goes into it.

What’s a funny story about work that you can tell?

I can’t think of one off the top of my head, it’s all pretty straight forward, but there’s always good banter in the workshop. There are always moments in the workshop that make us laugh. It’s all part of the learning experience and keeps the job interesting.

What do you do in your downtime?

I like working on cars and going fishing. It’s a good way to relax and unwind.

The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What’s your view on the industry and its impact?

I think the mining industry is great for everyone. It provides so many opportunities – not just for jobs but for building relationships and creating networks. It’s a vital part of our community and economy.