It has been an honor for Empowering Pumps & Equipment over the years to shine a light on the professionals behind the industries that are vital to life and share their stories with our #PumpTalk Community. We are proud to have Bree Harrison as our #Pumptalk Celebrity. Currently, Bree is a mechanic apprentice. We hope you enjoy her story!
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Bree: I was working as a mechanic apprentice, and wanted to transfer into heavy duty mechanics. To gain experience, a friend of mine was able to get me a position driving haul truck on a mine in the Yukon, and I quickly progressed to running loader. I loved operating, and decided to stick with it, and keep wrenching on my own vehicles as a hobby.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Bree: I love high risk or technical jobs. Tasks like working on slopes or at heights, finish grading, or tight spaces keep my focus locked and my brain busy. I’m really proud that I’ve had the opportunity to train other operators starting out, and even have some of them surpass me in skills.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Bree: Starting as a labourer and showing a willingness to learn and take on extra responsibility is a great way to move up into running equipment. School or training can be helpful, but employers prefer on the job experience and the right attitude over an expensive ticket that says you have 50 hours in a piece of gear.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Bree: I’ve recently started running heavy equipment underground, and it’s a completely different world to surface mining. You’re always in a tight space, with limited light and visibility, and at much higher risk for rock fall or collisions. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m excited for the coming years.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Bree: Egos are prevalent in equipment operators, and hold a lot of us back. Once you know the controls, it can feel like you know how to do anything with that machine. But the more you run it, the more you realize you don’t know or can’t do. Watch and ask questions of any experienced operator who’s willing to share tips or mentor you. Always be willing to learn and improve.
Connect with Bree on Instagram
THANK YOU, BREE! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
