Mining apprentice stars on football field

First year Hunter Valley Operation’s (HVO) apprentice Lilly-Jane Williams is an inspiring and talented trail blazer at work and on the football field.

The 16 year old Singleton resident says she is living her dream of working as a plant mechanic. Her other passion is rugby league, and she also dreams of one day playing NRLW.

“I’m really proud, happy and grateful to have been selected from all of the applicants to be a plant mechanic apprentice at HVO,” Lilly-Jane said.

“I’ve grown up around mining. My dad and uncle work in mining and my pop was a mechanic. I remember being a little girl standing next to a big mining truck with my dad at his work’s family day and thinking it was the best thing ever.”

“HVO is a great place to do an apprenticeship because of its size. There is so much equipment of all shapes and sizes that I will get to work on.

“We have the world’s largest excavator at HVO. It is crazy that I get to work on it.”

“The mine is like a big family. Despite being one of only two first year female apprentices I am treated respectfully and not treated differently to other employees.” 

A sporting family

Lilly-Jane is proving to be a talented sports woman. While her dad played soccer, her mum’s family play league. She started playing Aussie Rules and was selected to be a Sydney Swans Junior before switching codes several years ago.

“I heard that the [Upper Hunter regional rugby league team] Northern Tigers were recruiting players for their first U17s team. I said to mum, I’m going to play for the Singleton Greyhounds and get selected for the regional team in my first year playing the sport.”

She did. At the age of just 15.

Last year Lilly-Jane scored a development scholarship with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs which hopes to have an NRLW team next year. The Bulldogs have had a formal development relationship with Group 21 & the Northern Region of NSW Rugby League since 2019. Lilly Jane’s team won the grand final in this year’s Lisa Fiaola Cup.

“I really love my job. My focus is on getting a trade job in mining after finishing my apprenticeship. I want to get a dual trade to also be a qualified auto electrician, so I have more options in my career. But if I can combine my work with playing NRLW that would be amazing.”

HVO has 12 first year apprentices and 38 in total. Young men and women who are gaining qualifications and skills for their future without having to leave the region.

• Check out the HVO Careers page, for your opportunity to have a great Career in mining.