MinRes encourages its people to act fast, seize opportunities and think differently – and Troy McDonald is an everyday hero who has embodied this over the past five years.
As Workshop Manager for CSI Kwinana, Troy oversees the health, safety, and wellbeing of around 130 employees and contractors, including a growing contingent of 20 first and second-year apprentices. He has been instrumental in taking the Kwinana Workshop to new heights, with his superpowers of excellence, resilience and energy.
Starting his own career as an apprentice and working his way up, Troy is known for his hands-on approach, always ensuring that the young apprentices are doing well and always making himself available for a chat or support when needed.
While the size and volume of work have been increasing at the workshop, so has Troy’s laser focus on safety. Last year, he guided the workshop to a zero total reportable injury frequency rate – a new record – which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the amazing team he’s built around him.
Troy’s commitment to MinRes’ values and his passion for making the Kwinana Workshop a more sustainable place for everyone to work, regardless of gender, age, or race, has had a positive impact on the culture and productivity at MinRes.
We recently sat down with Troy to find out a little bit more about the man behind the marvel.
Please describe your career journey including companies and places you’ve worked and any career highlights?
I spent the first part of my working life at workshop in the goldfields, completing an apprenticeship in metal fabrication. Once I completed my apprenticeship, I went on to do large earthmoving equipment repairs on goldmines in the area. In 2010, I moved with my family back to Perth where I spent a couple of years doing FIFO to Karratha and Port Headland before moving to MinRes in 2018, where I managed their workshop.
Tell me about your current role?
I am currently the Workshop Manager for the CSI Kwinana Workshop. I oversee the health, safety, and wellbeing of around 130 employees and contractors. This includes 20 first and second-year apprentices, a record for MinRes. I’m also responsible for maintaining a highly productive workshop, which employs various trades that assist in our primary function of supporting various business units within the MinRes group of companies.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The thing I enjoy most about my work is that every day is different. There is always something exciting going on within MinRes and we are exposed to quite a bit of it. From building the entrance and stairways for the head office; to full plant builds for our sites; or sending urgent parts at 5:00pm on a Friday afternoon to keep a site running – it’s always busy and exciting. I also enjoy spending time helping the next generation of MinRes apprentices and imparting whatever knowledge I can to them. There is something very fulfilling about helping someone on their way at the start of their career.
Why did you join Mineral Resources? What was it that attracted you?
When I joined MinRes as a Workshop Superintendent the thing that attracted me the most was the opportunity to grow and expand the workshop’s capabilities. MinRes has afforded me the opportunity to expand the workshop in directions that allow us to complete a significant portion of work not traditionally completed in-house. In the process, it has helped me advance my career.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
The highlight of my career to date has been seeing the size and volume of work increase at the workshop while guiding it to a zero total reportable injury frequency rate last year. This was a very proud moment for me and the team.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
Outside of work, my five-year-old grandson keeps me busy. I really enjoy spending time with him. Watching him learn and experience new things is fantastic.
Who is your hero and why?
Anyone working hard to do better for themselves or striving to make things better for their family or community is a hero in my opinion.
Want to be a MinRes Marvel?
Here at MinRes, we are always on the hunt for our next MinRes Marvel. If you think you have what it takes, or even if you just want to be part of a team that pushes and inspires each other, head to our careers website to view our current opportunities.
