In the heart of the Bowen Basin, deep beneath the rolling hills, where the earth is as rich in coal as it is in tradition, a story of grit, perseverance, and transformation has unfolded. It’s the story of Thomas “Tom” Jenkins, a seasoned coal miner whose 15-year journey underground turned into an inspiring ascent to leadership, thanks to a pivotal moment in his career—the Supervisor Training Course. From Crew Member to Commander: One Miner’s Career Climb.
Tom Jenkins began his mining career at 22, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. “Mining’s in my blood,” Tom says, the wrinkles in his face deepening with pride and soot-lined memories. “It’s not just a job. It’s a life.” Starting out as a general labourer, he worked tirelessly—often in the darkest, most confining parts of the mine—shovelling coal, repairing belts, and learning the rhythms of underground life.
For over a decade, Tom built his reputation as a dependable, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious worker. Colleagues often came to him with questions, and younger miners looked up to him for guidance. But despite his experience, Tom remained in the same role, believing that his path was limited to the coalface.
The change!
That changed when the mine’s operations manager approached him with an opportunity to apply for a supervisory role. “I was shocked,” Tom recalls. “Me, a supervisor? I wasn’t sure I had what it takes.” But the company believed in his potential and encouraged him to enrol in a Supervisor Training Course specifically designed for the mining industry.
The course turned out to be the catalyst Tom needed. It offered a structured path to leadership, covering critical areas such as team management, conflict resolution, safety compliance, communication, and incident response. “I’d been in the mine long enough to know what needed to be done,” Tom says, “but the course showed me how to get others to do it safely, efficiently, and with respect.”
One of the most impactful modules for Tom was on effective communication. “I always thought yelling was part of the job. But I learned how to talk so people really listen—and how to listen so people really talk.” That change in mindset helped him not only manage teams but also build trust and morale, especially during high-pressure situations.
The course also emphasised safety leadership—an area Tom already valued, but now approached with new tools. He learned how to conduct thorough risk assessments, lead toolbox talks with clarity and authority, and instil a culture of accountability among his crew. As a result, his shift saw a significant reduction in safety incidents within the first six months of his supervision.
Now
Today, Tom leads a team of 25 miners. He walks the same tunnels he once worked in as a labourer, but now with a new mission: to mentor, protect, and lead. He credits the Supervisor Training Course not just for teaching him managerial skills, but for helping him find his voice and confidence.
“Anyone can swing a pick or drive a loader,” Tom reflects. “But leading people? That takes something different. The course gave me that something.”
Tom’s story is one of many in the mining industry—a testament to the power of training and belief in human potential. As coal towns look for ways to evolve and thrive in changing times, stories like his illuminate a hopeful path forward: that even in the deepest mines, leadership can rise to the surface. From Crew Member to Commander: One Miner’s Career Climb.
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