Danielle Lawson

My name is Danielle Lawson, and I am a Driller Assistant based in the Goldfields of Western Australia.

After moving from New Zealand to Western Australia, I wanted to build a career in the mining industry. A former Boart Longyear employee encouraged me to give it a crack and told me I could handle the work. Some of my flatmates weren’t so sure, which made me even more determined to prove I could do it. I applied through the company website over the Christmas period and joined in the new year.

My work involves deep holes, long rod pulls, six-metre tubes and demanding underground conditions. As a Driller Assistant, I’ve learned a lot about the equipment and the responsibilities involved in offsiding, and I’m continuing to build my knowledge as I work toward the drilling side of the career path.

The biggest thing I’ve learned since joining Boart Longyear is that I’m stronger than I thought I was. With the support of the people around me, I’ve come a long way in a short time, and I’m excited to see where this career can take me.

For anyone considering joining Boart Longyear as a Driller Assistant, I would say give it a go. There is a lot to learn and some days will test you, but those challenges build resilience. Safety and integrity are important here, and I’ve felt supported as I’ve learned and grown in the role.