Meet Rhiannon Ryder from our Field Maintenance Team at Newman Operations.

She started her BHP journey at age 19 with a Heavy Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship at the FutureFit Academy in Welshpool. People at BHP come from across the world, and from all walks of life, bringing different ideas, experiences, and perspectives that make BHP a better, higher performing company. 

Rhiannon moved from Boyup Brook, in regional Western Australia, to complete her three-year apprenticeship, before moving to Newman last year at the age of 21.

“As soon as I was qualified, I packed up and moved to Newman, and started working in the breakdown space of the mobile equipment workshop,” Rhiannon said.

“It was really exciting to be given an opportunity to move to Newman by myself at such a young age – it’s truly opened up so many opportunities for me, and I have met so many amazing people living here in Newman.”

While Rhiannon said it can get difficult living 1600 kilometres away from her family, it does make her appreciate the time she gets with them even more.

“Residential life isn’t for everyone, but if you’re independent and open to experiencing new adventures, it’s definitely worth it.”

Rhiannon has recently moved to a role in the Field Maintenance team where she completes routine maintenance tasks and repairs on our diggers and drills to ensure they are in good working order.

“I also do daily inspections of the diggers, and it’s important to pick up on any defects and get them fixed immediately,” she explained. “It can be stressful, but it’s also very rewarding when you can send the machines back to work and have them swinging for the rest of the day.”

Rhiannon said getting her qualification at such a young age and being able to jump into Field Maintenance so early on in her career is a huge step in the right direction.

Her biggest piece of advice to new starters? “Just be keen and willing to learn. Ask all the questions and do your work to the highest standard you can. There are endless doors that can open if you’re eager enough.”

We can’t wait to see what comes next for Rhiannon.