"I strongly believe if I had not completed the course, I would not have been given this great opportunity to work for Pilbara Iron, a member of Rio Tinto group.
The knowledge and skills obtained on the course assisted me greatly in the initial training period in the actual working pit of Yandicoogina. It provided me with a basic level of understanding of pit operations and assisted my confidence level in the operation of these large machines. I am enjoying the work and the camp lifestyle at Yandicoogina immensely."
Joanne Willett
Immersive Operator Training Graduate
Testimonials
Below are some of the feedback we have received from past students.
Note - Mining Training Services (MTS) is now operating as Immersive Operator Training
My name is Tammy Williams and I am 47 years old.
I moved to Queensland 2 years ago as my husband works in the underground mines and I wanted to get into the mining industry but dump truck driving was my dream.
Over the past 2 years I have continually applied for dump truck drivers jobs but never once did I get called in for an interview or a phone call, just "thanks but no thanks" letters.
I decided to critique my resume to see why I wasn't getting anywhere. I had no mining experience!! I had worked in an office for many years. I found the training on the net, booked in and flew to Perth for a week in January 08.
I had the best time doing the course, the trainers were wonderful, the information you gave us was great and driving the truck was way out of my comfort zone, but I loved every minute of it.
I learned so much. When I got home with all my newly learned information I found 2 jobs for dump truck drivers in the newspaper. They stated "experienced" but I applied anyway. I got a phone call a couple of weeks later saying I was through the first stage (which I had never done before) and an invitation to a workshop, examination day in Mackay. I attended the workshop day and did the exams. The information I learned was very relevant in this workshop/exam day.
The mining company then told all of us that if we were selected to go on to the next stage we would get a phone call telling us about the interview. After the interviews we would be told if we got a job or not. There were 800 applicants for these jobs, only 120 were selected for the workshop day, (1 in 3 chance), and only 80 people would be given interviews (1 in 2 chance). Yesterday I got the phone call inviting me for an interview on March 10th in Mackay. WOW~!!!!!!
I am reading through all my notes and the information you gave me about the interviewing process etc readying myself for my interview.
If I get it I will be the happiest person in Australia. If I don't, then I will keep trying more confident than ever with my knowledge and skills from your course.
The second job I applied for I got a phone call yesterday asking to fax my resume as they couldn't open my email attachment, and so I did. So that one is still in the pipeline, hopefully it will be as successful as the first job, and if not I will keep applying till I get my dump truck driving job.
I just wanted to thank you guys for giving me the edge; the skills & knowledge so I can realise my dream.
Thanks again, I will keep you informed.
Tammy Williams
Hi,
Well just an update for you and the guys there, 2 weeks after completing your courses I have picked myself up a job with Q-Civil in Queensland. My role is driving a loader and this will be up around Cloncurry. Figured I would head this way as the money is better!
Anyway hope all is well.
Regards Todd
Hi all,
I completed the 5 day haul truck course with your organisation late February this year. I am just letting you know that I have recently gained a position as a haul truck operator in my home town. Myself and one other female are the first girls to be employed underground in the history of the mine (that aren't geologists or engineers that is!) as operators.
I am so glad that I completed the course and as such I am able to not only stay in my home town but also make it that little bit easier for any other females wanting to explore the option of mining in Broken Hill.
Thank you so much for an easy and fun training course which really confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career choice.
Kate Leo
Dear Staff,
First of all, thank you for your help the other day, and secondly, I hope you're all fine. As for my testimonial, well here it is.
I always wanted to work in the mining industry but because I lived so far away from the industry I never gave it much chance, or thought, that is until one day an uncle who works in the mines talked to me about it, and after tying up some loose ends packed my family up and moved to Hunter Valley in search of my new career. The problem was, however, unless you have some sort of experience you couldn't get the job unless you were extremely lucky, because training up clean skins is not the preferred method of direct employment.
I spent a few weeks just talking to contracting agencies to see what my best options were, and one of them told me about your training and he said if I do the course that I would at least then be looked at for any future challenge tests. So deciding that was the better option, I booked in a week course.
I really didn't know what to expect on the course, but as soon as I arrived I was made very welcome by staff who really enjoyed training us, therefore helping people like me getting a leg into the mining industry. Through out the week the lessons in the classroom as well as the truck progressed evenly, there wasn't a heap of things to learn just thrown at you all at once, from the first time you hop in the drivers seat till the last, you really notice the difference in the skills taught to you improving.
Asking questions whenever the need arrives is also a big help, and you learn that their are no silly questions. This course isn't just for the operator(civil) who has a clue, it's also for the laymen on the street, such as I was. I highly recommend this course to gain entry to the mines, and have done so many times, and a few I know have gone over and came back to employment. I know I wouldn't be in my job now if it wasn't for training.
As for employment opportunities afterwards, there are plenty, especially if you are willing to relocate. My best tip is, to talk to the local contracting agencies, don't ever let them tell you that they have nothing at the moment, leave your resume because tomorrow there could be a heap of jobs coming. I wasn't lucky in getting my job in 2 weeks after completing the course, I put the effort in by keeping in contact with the contracting agencies before, during and after, I went for a challenge test and passed it because I completed the course. It helps to keep the names of the people at the agencies with their phone numbers and if possible turning up in person helps too.
Keep trying every week and don't give up. I have 2 friends I did the course with, 1 now my best mate and we have never been out of work. I have been at Mt Arthur Coal since returning from training now for 2 and a half years, and love it. I operate all sizes of cat trucks, and the 400 tonne Webherr T282's electric drive. There's no better feeling then driving a T282 loaded, weighing (in total) 600 tonnes. One more point I have to mention about the MTS course, is the fact that you really do have a great week, and the people you meet and do the course with are there for the same reason you are, so everyone is equal.
Thanks for all your help.
Frank French
I would like to say a big thanks.
I completed the dump truck training course in July 2007 and it gave me the necessary skills, training and pre-employment knowledge to gain employment in the mining industry. On completion of the course I sent my resume to mine sites that were supplied to me by the trainers and within two weeks I got a job on mine in Darwin.
The training I received was the reason i got the job. I would like to say thank you to all the staff and the trainers for helping me succeed in my chosen career path.
THANKYOU SO MUCH...
Dane Gorrel
THANK YOU!
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my appreciation for the continued help and service you provide to your trainees in particular myself.
In March of 2006 I completed the ‘Dump Truck Course’ at the training facility in Neerabup. This course was a great way to learn how mine sites operate in an open pit situation. It gave me the hands on skills and knowledge required to seize the opportunities being offered in the mining industry as a result of the commodities boom.
I found everyday of the course interesting and rewarding as it provided me with all of the associated information relevant to the mining industry as well as the fundamental skills required of one seeking employment in the sector. All of the training was conducted by conscientious and qualified trainers who impressed me with the amount of experience and knowledge they had.
I was totally impressed with the friendly and professional nature of all staff and was pleasantly surprised by the willingness to not only get me through the course but help me into a good paying job. Once again, thank you to all the team for the ongoing help you provided to me on a personal level. Please feel at ease to show this letter to anyone thinking of using your services as I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them.
Yours sincerely,
John Vitale
I appreciate all of your; above and beyond the call of duty! My whole experience has been positive.
John
Just wanted to let you all know that I have scored a trainee dump truck position with Roche Mining. The job is up in the Pilbara, it's a new site. I have a medical next Wednesday and I am very excited. I'll send some photos when I get a chance. Once again thank you all.
Kind Regards Emilly George
My name is René. I have my own registered business in Waterproofing of wet areas e.g. bathroom floors, shower walls, bath surrounds, balconies,etc etc. I was looking for a career change and I have always loved driving, so I thought I should have a look in that direction.
I did a course to get my forklift license, then I went for my heavy rigid (HR) license. I didn't want to be just a normal delivery driver for a company and until I read an article in the Melbourne Herald Sun about a girl named Justine McGinley, who was driving Dump trucks and was now instructing people in WA., I thought straight away that this is what I was looking for.
I really enjoyed the course, the company provided good instructors and information and they were very thorough and the staff where very friendly and helpful.
After gaining my certificate for Haul Truck Operator, I have found my career change here in Melbourne. I am working at the new Marina being built at Safety beach on the Mornington Peninsula. I am driving a Komatsu HD465 and in a couple of weeks I will be driving a Komatsu HD785 for the bigger work.
It is a long term position and I am thoroughly enjoying myself.
THANKS GUYS !!!!!!!!
I wish to inform you guys that I have found employment in the mining industry with company called Newcrest. I would also like to say that I believe an opportunity has been created as a direct result of your Dump Truck driving course that I undertook. The high standard of training, the delivery and the all round professionalism displayed certainly played a big role.
I would like to congratulate you on the choice of staff all of whom I found welcoming and friendly, so much so that I felt felt like I could be close friends with a number of them. From Sean and Marina my 2 trainers and of course the queen of reception herself Carly Sargent who always went beyond the call of duty. Once again a big thank you for the balanced role you guys played in helping to shape my future.
Yours Sincerely
Justin Heath
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. Not only for the first class training courses but also the way in which they are conducted.
I recently completed 4 training courses, these being the Dump Truck, Front End Loader, IT Loader and Forklift. During the time I spent at your facility in Neerabup, I not only acquired the knowledge and skills required to enter the mining industry but was also fortunate to meet some wonderful groups of people. These consisted of individuals from around the country who like myself are pursuing their goals to enter or advance in the mining industry. The other group being a dedicated team of professionals who worked together to make our time spent with them not only rewarding but an enjoyable experience.
Nothing appeared too much trouble for the team, from picking students up from accommodation venues and train stations to organising transport to the local lunch bar and the administrative staff providing a valuable assistance with resumes and contact details of companies.
During training sessions everyone was given equal time with both the practical and theoretical segments of the courses and everyone was made to feel they were an important member of the group. I have gained more knowledge, skills and confidence than I had expected from these courses and although I am already in the industry working with MacMahons, I believe that my time spent has greatly increased my prospects for future advancement in the industry.
I will certainly be in touch again with the view to furthering my skills and qualifications and would have no hesitation in recommending training for individuals or their employees.
Finally, I congratulate and thank all from the directors to the trainers. Together you form a GREAT TEAM. Together everyone achieves more so keep up the good work and I wish you all the very best for the future.
Regards Mick Connolly
To Everyone,
Just thought I would drop you a line to let you know what has happened since I was in WA. I came home to SA and put my resume (the one you did for me) out there in the local civil industry with a couple of main players. Within 4 days I had an interview with one, THEISS, who is currently constructing a $2.5billion freeway. They have put me on as a plant operator with excellent pay.
My direct supervisor has informed me that when he finishes this job around March next year he will be transferred to the THEISS mine in SA (Prominent Hill). To make a long story short he said that whoever impresses him he will take along with him to the mine. This sure beats sending resumes hundreds of resumes and waiting for a response.
So a big thanks to everyone. With your assistance, support and helpful advice it all seems to have come together for me. I would like to drop you a line from time to time to keep you updated and so you can review my resume.
Regards Ric Manning
I moved to WA in January in pursuit of a mining career and to give it a kick start I enrolled in the Dump Truck Course. Without much in mind after completion, I had awesome fun learning how to maneuver the truck and the basics of operating.
Afterwards it was great to get a few pointers on where to look and how to go about trying to achieve a position driving trucks. I applied to Pilbara Iron in West Angela's a few days after I finished and within a couple of weeks I had a phone call for an interview. A few months later and I am into my fourth stint on the trucks. I'm enjoying the job more every time.
My training helped me no end in getting comfortable with the trucks and operating procedures (particularly backing up to dumps and diggers). A few people here have been a bit surprised at my initial performance for a ‘Greenie’. As it stands I was relaxed enough from day one to enjoy the job straight away and it gets better every swing!
Thanks to all of you for a quality introduction to haul trucks and some good advice on the mining industry. I have always felt I wouldn't be enjoying my current position if it wasn't for you guys.
Regards Chris Collins
This is a letter to recommend to anyone considering undertaking the Dump Truck training course. I decided to undertake the course to provide myself with better skills to enable me to obtain employment within the Mining and Resources sector. All of my employment skills prior to this course have been administrative/management within the Government totaling 19 years service
I was contacted by Skilled and advised that Pilbara Iron had provided them with my resume and wished for me to be interviewed for a contract position. This position being located at Yandicoogina a growing Iron Ore site of Pilbara Iron. Once the interview process, medicals and inductions were complete I commenced work at Yandicoogina.
I strongly believe if I had not completed the course, I would not have been given this great opportunity to work for Pilbara Iron a member of Rio Tinto group.
The knowledge and skills obtained on the course assisted me greatly in the initial training period in the actual working pit of Yandicoogina. It provided me with a basic level of understanding of pit operations and assisted my confidence level in the operation of these large machines. I am enjoying the work and the camp lifestyle at Yandicoogina immensely.
I found the level of instruction provided by all of the instructors to be of a very high standard. The first hand experiences the instructors communicate in regard to the operation of Dump Trucks on an actual mine site is invaluable. As well as the insight they gave in regard to the lifestyle changes you will experience working in the resources sector. (Especially Fly In/Fly Out). I am one very satisfied student of this training organisation and look forward to undertaking other machine operator courses with them in the near future.
Yours Faithfully
Joanne Willett