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!





Related stories
  • LANDCROS: Solutions Beyond Machinery

    Read more
  • Bell Graders: Impressing operators with precision ...

    Production of the highly anticipated Bell Motor Grader range is ...

    Read more
  • New Team. Reliable Service.

    We are excited to announce growth in our Canberra region ...

    Read more
  • A powerful machine in a compact ...

    Discover the ZW80-5B: A compact, powerful wheel loader ...

    Read more
  • RJV Expands Operations

    RJV has recently taken delivery of a substantial order of ...

    Read more
  • ZAXIS-7 Compact Excavators

    The ZAXIS-7 series has been engineered to maximise operator productivity ...

    Read more

#TheOrangeFamily

This week we recognised and thanked the incredible women across our business.

From workshops and mine sites to branches and offices, the leadership, capability, energy and perspective they bring every day continues to shape the future of our company.

As Ray Kitic shares in this message, our commitment goes beyond recognition. We remain focused on strengthening the pathways and opportunities that support the growth and success of women across our organisation.
Celebrating International Women’s Day

Today we recognise International Women’s Day and celebrate the contributions of women across our business and the wider construction and mining industries.

From the workshop floor and mine sites to engineering, operations, and leadership, women continue to play an important role in shaping the future of our industry.

At Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia, we’re proud to work alongside talented women across our branches, supporting innovation, capability, and progress every day.

Happy International Women’s Day!
Six years in the Army.
Now a fourth-year apprentice in Toowoomba.

Taleisha didn’t come into the trades the traditional way. After serving in the Army, she began her apprenticeship elsewhere but felt she wasn’t getting the hands-on experience needed to properly build her skills.

That changed when she joined the team.

Today her weeks can include new builds in the workshop, site work at mines, or jobs at local quarries. She works on loaders and mining equipment, services machines, installs pumps and supports major builds — backed by formal OEM training and experienced technicians around her.

Like every apprentice, she has made mistakes. On one job she damaged a seal during installation. She reported it straight away. The team worked through what happened and how to correct it.

That is how competence is built.

Six months ago, she completed her first solo service on a customer machine. It was a small milestone, but an important one — proof of progress and trust earned.

No two days look the same. That is what she values most.

Her focus now is finishing her apprenticeship and continuing her career as a tradesperson long term.

This is what development looks like:

Experience. Accountability. Support.

And technicians who are built to last.
From Trade Assistant to Apprentice Plant Mechanic 👏

At our Wacol branch, Nick is stepping into the next chapter of his journey.

Starting out as a Trade Assistant, Nick has now taken the leap into an Apprentice Plant Mechanic role - bringing hands-on experience, a strong work ethic, and a clear focus on safety.

For Nick, safety isn’t just a checklist. It’s about looking out for your team, doing the job properly, and making sure everyone goes home the way they arrived.

And he’s just getting started.

Nick is looking forward to getting up close with our mining equipment and continuing to build his skills alongside the team.

The future’s looking solid. 💪
Wheel Loaders made by Japanese craftsmanship🎌the perfect way to make them. 

#HCA #OrangeFamily🍊 #LANDCROS #WheelLoaders #Japanese #Craftsmanship
This week we recognised and thanked the incredible women across our business.

From workshops and mine sites to branches and offices, the leadership, capability, energy and perspective they bring every day continues to shape the future of our company.

As Ray Kitic shares in this message, our commitment goes beyond recognition. We remain focused on strengthening the pathways and opportunities that support the growth and success of women across our organisation.
Celebrating International Women’s Day

Today we recognise International Women’s Day and celebrate the contributions of women across our business and the wider construction and mining industries.

From the workshop floor and mine sites to engineering, operations, and leadership, women continue to play an important role in shaping the future of our industry.

At Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia, we’re proud to work alongside talented women across our branches, supporting innovation, capability, and progress every day.

Happy International Women’s Day!
Six years in the Army.
Now a fourth-year apprentice in Toowoomba.

Taleisha didn’t come into the trades the traditional way. After serving in the Army, she began her apprenticeship elsewhere but felt she wasn’t getting the hands-on experience needed to properly build her skills.

That changed when she joined the team.

Today her weeks can include new builds in the workshop, site work at mines, or jobs at local quarries. She works on loaders and mining equipment, services machines, installs pumps and supports major builds — backed by formal OEM training and experienced technicians around her.

Like every apprentice, she has made mistakes. On one job she damaged a seal during installation. She reported it straight away. The team worked through what happened and how to correct it.

That is how competence is built.

Six months ago, she completed her first solo service on a customer machine. It was a small milestone, but an important one — proof of progress and trust earned.

No two days look the same. That is what she values most.

Her focus now is finishing her apprenticeship and continuing her career as a tradesperson long term.

This is what development looks like:

Experience. Accountability. Support.

And technicians who are built to last.
From Trade Assistant to Apprentice Plant Mechanic 👏

At our Wacol branch, Nick is stepping into the next chapter of his journey.

Starting out as a Trade Assistant, Nick has now taken the leap into an Apprentice Plant Mechanic role - bringing hands-on experience, a strong work ethic, and a clear focus on safety.

For Nick, safety isn’t just a checklist. It’s about looking out for your team, doing the job properly, and making sure everyone goes home the way they arrived.

And he’s just getting started.

Nick is looking forward to getting up close with our mining equipment and continuing to build his skills alongside the team.

The future’s looking solid. 💪
Wheel Loaders made by Japanese craftsmanship🎌the perfect way to make them. 

#HCA #OrangeFamily🍊 #LANDCROS #WheelLoaders #Japanese #Craftsmanship

Use of cookies

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your website experience and provide more personalised services to you, both on this website and through other media. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy. We won’t track your information when you visit our site.

Find a dealer

Search by location
Search by dealer name
It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer for safer and optimum browsing experience please upgrade your browser.