September 2022

Katelyn
Shirtcliffe

Apprentice Mechanic – Muswellbrook


What do you enjoy most about your role at Hitachi?

I’m a 4th year apprentice plant mechanic. I fix heavy machinery in the mines and also construction machinery, for example; excavators, dump trucks, dozers and articulating dump trucks. I love that I could be working on different machines with completely different situations. Every day is different, so I learn something new in every situation when working on the machinery.

Has your pathway into this field been challenging?

It has been quite challenging balancing TAFE with working full time. However, working with great supervisors and tradesmen, whether it’s in the workshop or out in field, having all that experience and knowledge from others has definitely helped me learn throughout my apprenticeship.

Has it been a fulfilling career journey?

Yes it has definitely been fulfilling, as the work conditions constantly change. Every day is different and an exciting way to learn new things is. I’m on the lifestyle roster which is great, because I can go travelling on my days off, play rugby union and hang out with my friends.

Does your job provide you a sense of achievement?

I get more confident every week with the support of my tradesmen. While I am still in my apprenticeship and still learning, I try my absolute best in everything I do. I’ve also recently joined the Muswellbrook branches’ safety committee, so I’m hoping I can bring some new fresh ideas to have positive outcomes throughout the workforce.



While I am still in my apprenticeship and still learning, I try my absolute best in everything I do

How would you describe your experience so far at Hitachi?

I have had the best experience at Hitachi. As soon as my apprenticeship is completed, at the start of next year I look forward to staying on full time in Field Service and continuing my Hitachi OEM career.

What personal attributes have brought you success so far in your apprenticeship?

Always show interest in the jobs you’re undertaking, be like a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as you can from the tradesmen and supervisors. There is a lot of experience and wisdom to access, and always so much to learn and expand on your experience!





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#TheOrangeFamily

Last chance to catch us at the 2026 DDT.

We’re at Stand D1 with a strong lineup of machinery on display and the team ready to talk through what works best for your operation.

Come down, have a look, and chat with our reps before it wraps up.
🔥Game on at DDT 2026 🔥

We’re turning up the fun at the Hitachi stand with competitions, giveaways & games all day long.

🎁 Win a branded 70L bar fridge
 🏈 Test your skills on the football wall toss to win a branded LANDCROS football
🎉 Plus more waiting for you!!

Think you’ve got what it takes? Come have a go and join the action.
Spot the Waste. Stop the Loss. With LANDCROS Connect

Monitor your machine performance in real time, maximise efficiency, and reduce downtime.

Visit Hitachi at DDT 2026 (Stand D1) and connect with a specialist who will show you how LANDCROS Connect gives you the insights you need to keep your machines performing at their best.

Curious to see how it works? Come by, ask questions & see it in action.
On the Ground with @spencercivilearthworks 

At Monarch Glen, Flagstone, serious earthmoving is underway - with over 500,000 cubic metres of cut to fill shaping the site.

Powered by the ZX490LCH-7, this operation is built on performance and endurance.
With 10–12 hour days and already 28 hours on the machine, the feedback is clear:

👉 “It’s got a lot of power.”

When the job demands consistency, strength, and reliability - this is where it counts.
Are Your Machines Working—Or Just Burning Fuel?

Every idle hour is costing your profit with diesel prices on the rise, Let HCA help you save on fuel burn.

Download LANDCROS Connect and Turn Data into Fuel Savings.

Make Every Litre Count

Contact us to learn more: https://hitachicm.com.au/landcros-connect/
👷We’re heading to The National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo 2026 🚧

Hitachi is bringing an impressive lineup of machines to this year’s DDT show & you won’t want to miss it.

🏆 Competitions
⚙️ Cutting-edge equipment
🤝 Meet the experts behind the machines
…and plenty more happening on our stand!

Come and see the team, get up close with the latest machinery, and experience what makes our machines stand out.

 🗺️ Sydney Dragway: Ferrers Rd, Eastern Creek NSW 2766
📆 17-19 April 2026
📍Stand D1
BECAUSE UPTIME IS EVERYTHING

Long shifts.
Demanding conditions.
Machines that keep working.

LANDCROS wheel loaders are built to support consistent performance on site - helping reduce downtime and keep projects moving.

Reliable equipment. Backed by experienced support.

LANDCROS — Solutions Beyond Machinery.
Tight spaces with total control. 

Out in Brisbane, GCE Contractors are getting it done with the ZX135US-7, and operator James is right at home in the seat.

With zero tail swing, there’s no second guessing when you’re slewing around tight jobsites - just smooth, confident operation where it counts.

More precision. Less risk. Peace of mind on every move.

@gcecontractorspty
Your machines work hard. Now they can work smarter too.

With LANDCROS Connect, you can stay connected to your Hitachi machines wherever the job takes you. From monitoring machine health to tracking performance and location, it gives you the insights needed to keep your equipment running efficiently and your projects moving forward.

 Smarter maintenance planning. Greater control over your fleet.

Because when you know more about your machines, you have the ability to become more cost effective and deliver improved machine longevity.

Learn more about LANDCROS Connect:
https://hitachicm.com.au/landcros-connect/
Last chance to catch us at the 2026 DDT.

We’re at Stand D1 with a strong lineup of machinery on display and the team ready to talk through what works best for your operation.

Come down, have a look, and chat with our reps before it wraps up.
🔥Game on at DDT 2026 🔥

We’re turning up the fun at the Hitachi stand with competitions, giveaways & games all day long.

🎁 Win a branded 70L bar fridge
 🏈 Test your skills on the football wall toss to win a branded LANDCROS football
🎉 Plus more waiting for you!!

Think you’ve got what it takes? Come have a go and join the action.
Spot the Waste. Stop the Loss. With LANDCROS Connect

Monitor your machine performance in real time, maximise efficiency, and reduce downtime.

Visit Hitachi at DDT 2026 (Stand D1) and connect with a specialist who will show you how LANDCROS Connect gives you the insights you need to keep your machines performing at their best.

Curious to see how it works? Come by, ask questions & see it in action.
On the Ground with @spencercivilearthworks 

At Monarch Glen, Flagstone, serious earthmoving is underway - with over 500,000 cubic metres of cut to fill shaping the site.

Powered by the ZX490LCH-7, this operation is built on performance and endurance.
With 10–12 hour days and already 28 hours on the machine, the feedback is clear:

👉 “It’s got a lot of power.”

When the job demands consistency, strength, and reliability - this is where it counts.
Are Your Machines Working—Or Just Burning Fuel?

Every idle hour is costing your profit with diesel prices on the rise, Let HCA help you save on fuel burn.

Download LANDCROS Connect and Turn Data into Fuel Savings.

Make Every Litre Count

Contact us to learn more: https://hitachicm.com.au/landcros-connect/
👷We’re heading to The National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo 2026 🚧

Hitachi is bringing an impressive lineup of machines to this year’s DDT show & you won’t want to miss it.

🏆 Competitions
⚙️ Cutting-edge equipment
🤝 Meet the experts behind the machines
…and plenty more happening on our stand!

Come and see the team, get up close with the latest machinery, and experience what makes our machines stand out.

 🗺️ Sydney Dragway: Ferrers Rd, Eastern Creek NSW 2766
📆 17-19 April 2026
📍Stand D1
BECAUSE UPTIME IS EVERYTHING

Long shifts.
Demanding conditions.
Machines that keep working.

LANDCROS wheel loaders are built to support consistent performance on site - helping reduce downtime and keep projects moving.

Reliable equipment. Backed by experienced support.

LANDCROS — Solutions Beyond Machinery.
Tight spaces with total control. 

Out in Brisbane, GCE Contractors are getting it done with the ZX135US-7, and operator James is right at home in the seat.

With zero tail swing, there’s no second guessing when you’re slewing around tight jobsites - just smooth, confident operation where it counts.

More precision. Less risk. Peace of mind on every move.

@gcecontractorspty
Your machines work hard. Now they can work smarter too.

With LANDCROS Connect, you can stay connected to your Hitachi machines wherever the job takes you. From monitoring machine health to tracking performance and location, it gives you the insights needed to keep your equipment running efficiently and your projects moving forward.

 Smarter maintenance planning. Greater control over your fleet.

Because when you know more about your machines, you have the ability to become more cost effective and deliver improved machine longevity.

Learn more about LANDCROS Connect:
https://hitachicm.com.au/landcros-connect/

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