Axxis Training Regional Manager Southern Gulf, Schuster Palamo, said the trainees had been able to participate and apply their experience and knowledge to a real mine workplace setting.

“Experience in a real mine is invaluable, and we’d like to thank Safety and Training Superintendent, Stephen Hodgkinson, AKA Ox, for inspiring our trainees,” Mr Palamo said.

The two students, Ruby-Ann Chapman and Francis Stark, spent a full day on the mine site learning to drive loaders as part of their training for Certificate III.

Ms Chapman, 41, says the training has been a big career change for her, and one she is enjoying.

“For me, I’ve been in retail for 26 years, so this is completely out of my comfort zone, but it was really good. I’m loving it,” she said.

“They let us drive along in the Moxys which have a second seat so you can sit with the driver and see where he’s going and what he’s doing and see the controls.​”

"It’s not fully operational yet, but it was good to see how it actually runs. I’ve never been on a mine site before, so it was really interesting to see how it all works.”

The two then spent five weeks of training at a base just 4km out of Mount Isa, where they experience what their new career might look like.

“Our trainer took us through how to drive and reverse Moxy loaders, and it’s a bit daunting because it’s something I’ve never done before,” Ms Chapman said.

Every morning their trainer and assessor, Croydon Hampton, picks up the trainees and drops them back home after their shift. 

Ms Chapman said the crew made them feel welcome at all times despite their trainee status.

“They treat you really good. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, and never made us feel like we shouldn’t be there,” she said.

Working closely with Axxis Project Training, Regional Manager Schuster Palamo said MRAEL is helping Mount Isa locals to find jobs in the mining industry.