Wesley Dalton-Smith joined Coronado as an adult apprentice boilermaker in April 2019 at our Coal Handling Preparation Plant (CHPP) at Curragh. This was not his first apprenticeship; after leaving school at an early age, he had completed a plastering apprenticeship and then worked as a trades assistant across several industries.
With a young family to support, Wesley wanted a job that would provide stability and opportunities for career progression.
Opportunities
During his adult apprenticeship with Coronado, Wesley was able to work in other areas of the mine and on special projects. He was grateful for the chance to explore different aspects of the mine and to broaden his experience while satisfying the requirements of his apprenticeship modules.
Outcomes
As a result of his hard work and determination, Wesley successfully completed the boilermaker apprenticeship well before the prescribed four years. He was appointed as a fully qualified tradesperson in November 2022.
He says that he especially admires the safety protocols in mining and is happy that he made the change by undertaking an apprenticeship at Coronado. “I was mature enough to see this adult apprenticeship as a stepping-stone to get to where I want to in my working career. I would recommend an adult apprenticeship to anyone.”
Now settled in Blackwater with his family, Wesley sees this as his long-term career. He is now stepping up into a supervisor role and looks forward to growing his career with Coronado.
