Indigenous trainee paves the way for next recruit

Pictured: (l-r) New trainee Alicia Cronin is following in Brooke Wilton’s footsteps.

A traineeship at Bengalla has opened doors for Indigenous employee, Brooke Wilton, who now has a fulltime job at the mine and is helping to mentor a new trainee.

Brooke won the Aboriginal Employment Strategy’s (AES) Excellence in Fulltime Traineeship Award at a ceremony in Newcastle recently.

“My traineeship at Bengalla developed my skills in general administration and customer service, and led to a fulltime administration position for me at the mine,” Brooke said.

“The staff have been very friendly and supportive so it’s great to continue working at Bengalla and an honour to have been formally recognised by the AES.”

Brooke has been keen to share her knowledge and offer support to one of Bengalla’s latest recruits, Alicia Cronin, who is following in her footsteps.

“Mining is a big part of life in the Upper Hunter and I was keen to work in an area that can offer travel opportunities and career development,” Alicia said.

“My previous job was in retail, so I’ve swapped the heels for steel capped boots for my traineeship at Bengalla!”

Bengalla general manager operations Andrea Sutton congratulated Brooke on her achievements and welcomed Alicia on board.

“Bengalla has partnered with the Maitland AES since early 2006 to help place capable people like Brooke and Alicia in suitable roles," Andrea said.

"The partnership is just one of the many ways Coal & Allied is working to boost the number of Indigenous people employed at our mines.

"Working together with Indigenous people within our community contributes towards building a more sustainable, prosperous future for the whole of our region."