BHP : Driving trucks to beauty therapy Tamika enjoys best of both worlds

Tamika Betts shares a passion for two industries: beauty and mining.

Joining BHP's Operations Services (OS) team in 2019 as a Dozer and Grader Operator at Daunia mine in Central Queensland, Tamika said her job share position allows her to enjoy a permanent and reliable job while kickstarting her beauty therapy business.

'I have always been in the beauty industry, and when I finally finished my studies as a qualified beauty therapist and cosmetic tattooist, I knew I wanted to open my own business,' Tamika said.

'But like all businesses, the first year of trade is always slow as you build your clientele, so I knew I needed to secure a steady income at the same time.'

Having previous experience in the mining industry, Tamika couldn't believe her luck when she saw a job share position advertised with BHP OS.

'I loved my time in the mines, so bringing both of my careers together made sense!' Tamika said.

'The job share position works perfectly, and I now have the best of both worlds working seven days on, and then 21 days off which is when I put my beauty hat on and book in my clients.

'I have also recently become a grandma, so this gives me time to see my grandson,' Tamika said.

On what she enjoys most about working with OS, Tamika said it's the fact you're not just a number, no matter your position.

'It's rare in this industry to see management every week; usually, you may see faces in a newsletter, but with OS the leadership team are in the field and very hands-on within the business,' Tamika said.

'You're not just a number in OS, personal development is taken very seriously, and I have loved seeing more and more women join the industry.'

As for her favourite part of the job, Tamika said there's nothing better than moving dirt.

'My favourite part of the day is sitting back and looking at what you've accomplished, like seeing perfect bunds or a perfectly graded floor,' Tamika said.

'From operating dozers and graders to eyebrow tattooing, I love both of my jobs; and not many people can say that!'

In her downtime, Tamika enjoys spending time with her children and riding her bike by the beach with her husband.

Find out more about a role with BHP Operations Services at www.bhp.com/os.