Local firm encourages women in the field
Nicky Chapman getting her hands dirty out in the field working for GeoDrill Australia, based at Chevallum.
When I was a little girl, I clearly recall having an interest in dolls and all things pretty. But I also loved running wild with the boys, riding bikes, playing in the mud and working on cars with my dad.
Today, nothing has changed! I still love all of the finer things in life, but I also love to work on cars, build things, lift weights and get my hands dirty.
These interests have presented me with a colourful working career which has provided key roles and experiences in my life.
Most recently, COVID-19 forced me to reach outside of my comfort zone and make a career change. It is with this in mind, I began the search for what could be the new normal for me.
Thankfully, I have been lucky enough to join an innovative family business, GeoDrill Australia on the Sunshine Coast, as a Drillers Assistant. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that GeoDrill Australia embraces diversity among its team and encourages ‘women in the field’ working on their drill rigs.
To be at the forefront of such diversity is empowering and to say I am chuffed is an understatement.
Historically, women have been overlooked and it has taken constant evolution for the stigma to subside and for companies to embrace all that women can bring to such a male dominated industry. So what does a day in the life of a Drillers Assistant look like from a woman’s perspective?
Dawn: Up and at ‘em is all I can say. The day starts off extremely early and if you are someone who likes to sleep in, then this gig is definitely not for you. Shower, hair up, high vis on, steel caps laced, safety glasses, gloves and hard hat all ready to go. This is my new daily routine.
The job: Our projects are vast and can vary from daily to weeks away from home, bunked up in a mining camp or overnight accommodation. A few things I have learned very quickly, is the ability to enjoy solitude, become one of the team and to love your job is a must within the industry. I have had the pleasure to offside in our Water Bore sector over the last couple of weeks and I can say that the days are long, dirty, physical, but most importantly, also extremely rewarding.
The doubts: Have there been times where I thought I couldn’t handle the workload and questioned myself? Honestly, yes! But, my team is what gets me through and they are just that, a ‘Team’ who supports one another to safely and collectively get the job done. We all have a part to play and together we achieve our goals daily.
The cons. Sore muscles, calluses on the hands, dirt (there is always dirt), and my skin takes a beating, but that’s the girly side coming out in me. Bathroom breaks? You will be surprised to know we have a portable ensuite bathroom setup which is very private and keeps the dignity in check.
Would I change it for a desk job and high heels? No way. I am right where I need to be and absolutelyloving every second of it.
So, if you too had aspirations as a little girl to run with the boys, my advice to you is to go get them!
If it wasn’t for companies like GeoDrill Australia, women would still be held back. I am truly thankful I have been given this unique opportunity to embark on the next chapter of my life.