Mining isn’t known for easy days. It’s an industry that moves fast, demands a lot, and doesn’t slow down for anyone. But inside Sandvik’s Australian operations, three women are showing what it looks like when the right team backs you.
Holley Onley, Isabella Meyers, and Natascha Schmid work in very different roles — sales and support, mechanical, and operations. What they share is a workplace where they can get on with it, ask questions without judgment, and keep getting better at what they do.
Still on site after four and a half years — and still learning
Holley has been with Sandvik for four and a half years. She started in a role that took her out on site — and her current position still does.
“What I love most about my current role is that it still lets me experience the best part of my previous one — being out on site, connecting with people, and strengthening those relationships. At the same time, I’m constantly learning new things about the business and the mining industry, which keeps every day interesting and rewarding.”
Part of what keeps it interesting, she says, is the team around her. People come from different walks of life, different industries, and different experiences — and that variety shows up in every conversation, work-related or not.
That team culture was tested hard over the past year. Despite the pressure, Holley’s team didn’t have a single rig go down. In mining, that’s significant. Maintaining supply and never impacting a client is the most essential priority in their line of work — and they held that standard throughout.
“There isn’t one single project that stands out as my proudest achievement, but the past year was incredibly challenging for our team, and we pulled through together. That’s something every one of us should be genuinely proud of.”
Her advice to women thinking about this industry is straightforward: back yourself, bring your perspective, and don’t underestimate what your voice adds to the team.
Qualified mechanic, new mum, same workshop
Isabella joined Sandvik in January 2021 as an apprentice. She’s now a qualified Mobile Plate Mechanic at Heatherbrae Workshop. Getting there took longer than most — partway through her second year, she fell pregnant.
“Sandvik and those I work with were supportive and never discouraged me from continuing my apprenticeship. Even though it took me a little longer than most apprentices, I got there in the end — and I also have a beautiful daughter.”
Her work is physical. She diagnoses and repairs components, and the job can be demanding and dirty. She’d describe it as one of the most fulfilling things she’s done.
What makes it work, she explains, is the team. There’s no culture of criticism when someone doesn’t know something. Questions are welcome. Ideas are shared.
“People I work with are genuine and lovely people. Being able to bounce ideas and theories off each other without criticism or judgment makes a real difference. When someone doesn’t know why something has failed or isn’t working, we can easily go to each other and ask.”
Did you know Sandvik offers many career development programs to support you from apprenticeship to leadership?
For women thinking about trades or workshop roles, Isabella is clear: the work is hard, but the people around you make it worth it; and they’re more willing to help than you might expect.
Eight months in and running the operation
Natascha Schmid is already focused on the long game. As Operations Manager for Parts and Services, she oversees a workshop that runs at full capacity, constantly. The order board keeps growing. Priorities shift. The team delivers anyway.
“We operate with very tight schedules and frequently shifting priorities, yet the team handles constant change with calmness and professionalism. Every work bay is continually at capacity, but despite this pressure, the team not only maintains a high level of output and quality — they actively look for opportunities to improve efficiency.”
What she’s most proud of is the culture. Her team comes from different countries and backgrounds, and she sees that diversity as a genuine strength.
“There’s a genuine openness to learning from one another, which creates a positive, inclusive environment where people are curious, engaged, and keen to grow.”
Natascha also invests real time in the workshop’s apprentices. She sees them as the people who will carry the industry forward, and mentoring them is something she takes seriously.
Her leadership approach is deliberate: listen, involve the team in decisions, recognise individual contributions, and stay focused on practical improvements.
Her advice for women considering operations or parts and services roles is direct: don’t limit yourself based on what the industry has traditionally looked like. Problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making are exactly the strengths it needs.
“Be confident in your capabilities. Your perspective matters. Speak up.”
What they’d tell you if you’re thinking about it
The work is challenging, the industry is demanding, and the team around you matters more than most people outside it realise.
At Sandvik, Holley, Isabella, and Natascha have each found that team. And they’re building something with it.
