Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Cody Nieuwkamp, a dual trade apprentice (Diesel Fitter and Auto Electrician) with Peabody at Coppabella Mine.

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

I started my dual trade apprenticeship in January 2022.

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

Very different. I wanted to be a professional athlete which is very different from an apprentice.

What’s a usual day at work entail?

Cleaning the workshop, working on all different types of equipment, learning from my coworkers and more cleaning.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The people I work with.

The worst thing?

The early wake up time and due to staying at camp while I’m on shift, I am away from my family, friends and home.

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

Learning to accept all types of feedback.

What has been your proudest achievement?

Being able to get an apprenticeship nowadays is hard. I’m proud that I got one.

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

All the different types of risk assessments you have to complete before starting any task on site.

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

I undid the bottom bung on a wheel motor while it was hot and drenched myself in hub oil. Everyone else thought that was funny! Me, not so much!

What do you do in your downtime?

Play sports like rugby league, go camping and fishing.

The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What is your view of our industry and the impact it has?

I feel like the industry is very under appreciated. With all of the facilities and training offered you can further your career into any pathway ranging from a mechanic to an engineer to an electrician and more. The resources sector will always be in high demand so there will always be a job for everyone here.