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At just 14 years of age, Liam McLoughlin is already taking proactive steps toward a future in the mining industry, recently completing a week of work experience with MacKellar at our Sunshine Coast workshop.
Currently in Year 10 at Unity College Caloundra, Liam joined the MacKellar team to gain first-hand exposure to heavy machinery maintenance and the diverse career pathways available within the mining sector.
For many students, mining is something seen from a distance. For Liam, the experience was an opportunity to step directly into the workshop environment and see how things really work behind the scenes.
During his placement, Liam spent time with our team and was involved in practical activities that provided insight into the scale and complexity of mining equipment. One of the standout moments of the week was participating in the deconstruction of a dump truck, where he was able to observe the engineering, structure, and systems that keep large machinery operating safely and efficiently.
“It was really interesting to see how everything fits together and how much work goes into each component,” Liam said during his time with the team.
Beyond the size and power of the machinery, Liam quickly discovered the level of technical knowledge required in the industry.
He noted that he learned “a lot about hydraulics” during the week and was surprised by how much science and engineering underpin everyday workshop tasks. From systems thinking to mechanical fundamentals, the experience highlighted how classroom learning connects directly to real-world applications.
It wasn’t all technical, though. Like many first-time workshop visitors, Liam also got a realistic taste of the hands-on environment, joking that one of the biggest lessons of the week was simply “how dirty you get” when working around heavy equipment.
Liam’s interest in the industry is already strong, and his time at MacKellar has helped reinforce his career direction. He is currently aiming to become a Diesel Fitter and eventually work FIFO on major mine sites across Australia.
Experiences like this work placement provide an early and valuable introduction to the pathways available in the mining and maintenance sector, helping students understand what a future in the industry can look like.
By the end of the week, Liam left with a stronger understanding of the industry and a clearer sense of direction for his future. His enthusiasm and curiosity made him a great addition to the workshop team during his placement.
We thank Liam for spending the week with MacKellar and wish him every success as he continues his studies and works toward a future career in the mining industry.
At MacKellar, we are proud to support opportunities that introduce young people to the industry and help develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
