Gear Up is Mader’s female traineeship program designed to support greater participation of women in field-based mining roles through structured, site-ready capability building.
Supporting Women Through Action, Not Aspiration
At Mader, supporting women in mining is embedded in how we build capability across our workforce. Gear Up is a practical example of this approach; designed to remove barriers to entry, strengthen site readiness and create sustainable pathways into technical roles.
The program aligns with Mader’s broader workforce strategy: investing early in skills development, embedding safety and site standards from the outset, and supporting long-term career progression in operational environments.
Gear Up combines accredited TAFE training that is led by Mader with structured on-site experience, ensuring participants develop both technical foundations and a clear understanding of site expectations.
Participants are exposed to real mining environments, working alongside experienced industry technicians, learning correct processes, and gaining familiarity with site operations and crew dynamics.
-“Mader is all about creating pathways and giving people a step up. We’ve got female mechanics, electricians and boilermakers across the business with years of experience behind them,” said Charlotte Wagner, General Manager of HR and Training.
“This traineeship is about giving more women that same start, plus being able to learn from experienced technicians, getting hands-on, and seeing where a career in mining can take you,” she said.
Program Overview
Gear Up participants complete the AUR20520 Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology, providing a foundational qualification aligned to future trade pathways, including:
- Light Vehicle Mechanic
- Heavy Duty Road Transport Mechanic
- Mobile Plant Mechanic
- Auto Electrician
The program is delivered across two five-week blocks, combining off-site training with supervised, practical learning. Participants are supported throughout the process and have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced tradespeople in the field.
If you’d like to learn more about joining our program, or how we can support your business with site-ready Trade Assistants, reach out to us at services@madergroup.com.au