We met with one of our legends at GT Mining Solutions, Teale, to chat about what his day-to-day life looks like in his role as a Boilermaker at GT Mining.
How Did You Come to Join The GT Mining Solutions Team?
When I joined the GT Mining team in early 2024, I’d been a boilermaker for almost 20 years. Gavin and I had worked together in 2015 and when he offered me the opportunity to join their Kalgoorlie team and help expand GT Mining throughout the Goldfields, I couldn’t refuse! Being able to do what I enjoy and come home to my family every night was a no-brainer.
What Do The Day-to-Day Tasks Entail as a Boilermaker?
Overall, being a Boilermaker is challenging, noisy, and dirty BUT it’s also extremely rewarding. I get to work on critical fabrication projects that are essential for our clients’ operations. Knowing that what we build helps them overcome challenges and achieve their goals is incredibly satisfying. Plus, the collaborative environment makes every project a team effort. Day-to-day tasks often include:
- Welding
- Grinding
- Quality Assurance
- Problem solving / Troubleshooting
- Fabricating components for planned tasks
Do You Enjoy Working in Kalgoorlie?
I do, it’s great being able to be home every/most nights and be with family. Kalgoorlie often holds community events where families can rally together and enjoy a good catch up. When we’re not spending days out exploring the bush, we’re generally catching up with friends and family for a BBQ and enjoying the incredible sunsets Kal is known for.
What Would You Say Are The Most Challenging Things The Industry is Facing Right Now, And How Are GT Mining Solutions Helping Solve Those Issues?
The most challenging aspect of the industry is definitely finding the quantity of quality tradespeople, who reside in the Goldfields, to service the ever-growing amount of work available. There is opportunity in Kalgoorlie and surrounds to never go without work in your trade, get paid well, and be home every night with the family.
GT Mining is doing its best to provide opportunities to people who would like to experience the Goldfields lifestyle. They’ve helped with relocation costs, provided accommodation, and even paid for families to visit prior to making a move into town. This gives everyone an opportunity to experience what Kalgoorlie has to offer. One of our core values is our commitment to our community, we love our home and make sure we give back to the places that have provided us with the greatest opportunities.
What Advice Would You Give to Someone About to Begin Their Career as a Boilermaker?
Listen to the guys with experience. There are multiple ways to achieve the same result, and the guys who have “been there, done that” have usually tried most of them! This applies to not only having different skills, but it is also knowing what risks can be avoided so we all go home safe. The entire mining industry is highly focused on safety measures and remaining proactive in all situations, so it’s important to remain upskilled and prepared for anything.
In Your Opinion, What Sets GT Mining Solutions Apart From Other Companies in The Industry?
I think our approach and quality of work is what greatly sets us apart from others. We offer a wide range of services that cover the majority of our clients’ needs, meaning we can provide more cohesive and efficient solutions.
GT Mining also offers great growth and development opportunities, and trusts us to work independently to complete tasks without being micromanaged. We have access to ongoing training to earn new certifications and stay ahead of any changes which arise in the industry. The leadership team encourages us to take on new challenges and provides the resources needed to succeed.
Here’s to Future Growth!
Big thanks to Teale for chatting with us about his career as a Boilermaker with GT Mining Solutions. You’re a great asset to the team and look forward to seeing your growth in the future.
If you are looking to expand your career in the mining industry, feel free to reach out to our team about any opportunities we have.
