Mount Isa boilermaker forges her own path

21-year-old Renee Moran recently completed her Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking / welding) (MEM31922) at TAFE Queensland Mount Isa campus through an apprenticeship with Mount Isa Mines, supported by the Queensland Government’s Free apprenticeships for Under 25s program.

She has also been named a finalist for the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards – North Region.

Born and raised in Mount Isa, Renee first developed her skills through hands-on subjects at school before completing a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) through TAFE at School in Year 12.

“I really enjoyed doing it at school, and I was getting good results,” Renee said. “And then my mentor said, ‘If you like this, why not try boilermaking?’ So, I did – and I loved it.”

That mentor came through one of Glencore’s Girls for Mining pathway programs, which connects Year 12 students with experienced professionals to explore future career options.

After starting her apprenticeship with Mount Isa Mines, Renee later became a mentor in the same program, supporting other young women considering careers in mining and trades.

“When I became an apprentice, I wanted to be for someone else what my mentor had been for me,” Renee said.

“I worked with a young woman who also wanted to become a boilermaker, and I was able to talk to her about my experience and help guide her. She has now started as a first-year apprentice with Glencore too, which is really special.”

Renee said one of the things she enjoys most about boilermaking is the creativity and problem-solving involved.

“I love the creative freedom,” she said. “Someone might come to you with something they need built or repaired, but they don’t always know exactly how they want it done. You have to problem-solve, think it through and come up with a way to make it work.”

Now working as a qualified boilermaker with Glencore, Renee’s role includes inspections, scheduled maintenance, breakdown repairs, fabrication jobs and work on mobile equipment.

She said her training and workplace experience have helped her build the technical skill, confidence and resilience needed in a demanding industry.

TAFE Queensland engineering teacher Andrew Seaton said Renee consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, professionalism and strong understanding of her trade throughout her apprenticeship.

“Renee approaches her training with pride, motivation and a clear commitment to doing high-quality work,” Mr Seaton said. “She supports her peers, contributes positively to the learning environment and leads by example. Her maturity, professionalism and willingness to share her knowledge make her a standout apprentice.”

Renee said it was important for young women to see trade careers as genuine options.

“I think women have so many valuable skills, but sometimes they don’t realise what they are capable of until they try,” she said. “There aren’t always enough opportunities for girls at school to see what is available to them, so mentoring programs are really important.”

With her apprenticeship complete and a full-time role secured, Renee is already thinking about where the trade could take her next.

“I’d love to keep specialising and build more skills in areas like high-pressure welding, weld inspection and weld testing,” she said. “I’m also interested in specialist TIG welding, stainless and pipe welding. There is still so much more I want to learn.”

Being named a Queensland Training Awards finalist has made the milestone even more meaningful.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and it feels unreal to make it this far. I’m excited to be part of it.”