When opportunity knocks: Joey’s career shift at Richglen
Joey McTighe’s boots-on-the-ground experience as a TA gives him insight into the safety challenges crews face every day.
When Joey McTighe joined Richglen as a trades assistant, he was keen to get back into hands-on work after some time away with family.
What started as a return to familiar territory soon evolved into something more — a new career path he hadn’t anticipated.
Joey had previously worked on several projects with Richglen and was well regarded by the team. So when he was ready to return to work, he reached out to familiar faces.
“I contacted Sharyn Bunt at Richglen and started on the shutdown projects,” he said.
In his original role, Joey was supporting boilermakers and boom welders, hands-on work in the thick of project activity.
But during a period of light duties, he was assigned to assist HSE Advisor Karen Bloor for three swings. That’s when everything shifted.
“By helping Kaz (Karen) it gave me an insight into the HSE role and I started to understand why the information required to be completed by the crew members was needed,” Joey said.
“It gave me a whole different perspective about safety.”
“It was daunting, then realising I can move forward into a professional role was unbelievable.”
Joey’s curiosity grew into action. With encouragement from Richglen’s HSE department, he signed up to complete a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.
“It was very challenging,” he said. “I had great mentors who helped and supported me throughout.”
From tools to templates, Joey McTighe proves it’s never too late to take a new path.
Real-world experience kept reinforcing his decision; when an incident happened at a CQ mine site, it caused Joey to realise the importance of Richglen’s safety culture.
As he steps into the HSE Advisor role, Joey is proud of how far he’s come.
“It was daunting, then realising I can move forward into a professional role was unbelievable,” he said.
“I didn’t have belief in myself. I was very fortunate to have people like John Emerson, Shaz (Sharyn) and Kaz who all believed I could do this.
“My partner Maria was also an incredible support and a great encourager throughout the training.”
The transition hasn’t come without its challenges.
“Computer literacy was my biggest challenge,” he said with a laugh.
“Over time, I’ve learnt how to manage a computer and our systems, and I now don’t carry that fear of computers, but still wary!”
Looking ahead, Joey is keen to continue growing in the role; his goal is to be a leader as a Safety Advisor.
His advice to others considering a similar leap?
“Believe in yourself. When you find a role you feel inspired to do, seek out people who are already in that role and ask questions.”
For Joey, the move into HSE wasn’t part of a master plan. It was the result of being open to change, asking questions, and having people and a company that backed him.
“It’s been the best decision for work I have made,” he said.