New Hope Group is proud to develop and coach young people and champion pathways into the mining industry.

Bengalla Mining Company’s award-winning apprenticeship program and partnership with MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees is training future mine workers, including Monique Pracy, Ryley Bishop and Bailey Hartley.

“I’ll be a high voltage electrician when I finish my apprenticeship at Bengalla Mining Company,” Monique said.

“A few family members work in the mining industry, so that piqued my interest.

“Getting to work on the big equipment including the dozers and dump trucks is the best part of the apprenticeship.

“Being a female in this industry is great. I’m being taught heaps, and I don’t get treated any differently to the boys.”

Second year apprentice plant mechanic, Ryley Bishop, went to school at nearby St Joesph’s Catholic College in Aberdeen and grew up surrounded by machines.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how everything works, especially earth moving and mine equipment,” Ryley said.

“This is the perfect job for me, and the perfect industry. There is a long future for the coal industry in and around Muswellbrook.

“It’s a great place to come to work and there is plenty of variety which is great. Bengalla is also the perfect size. It’s small enough for you to know everyone and have a good relationship with everyone, but big enough to be exposed to challenging work, so you’re always learning.”

Second year apprentice plant mechanic, Bailey Hartley, always had an interest in motors and how things worked.

“I grew up helping Dad and working on cars and tractors at my grandparent’s property,” Bailey said.

“In my role, I’m learning to work on and maintain the heavy mining equipment on site, including the diggers, trucks and dozers.

“The quality of people at Bengalla is second to none. Everyone is supportive. If you’re willing to put in the effort, everyone is willing to help.”