From uncertainty to opportunity: Brandon Catalano’s journey

When Brandon finished high school, he wasn’t sure what his next step would be.

Like many young Australians, he felt a bit lost and uncertain about his future.

That was until his dad suggested he try a local labouring job – a decision that would set Brandon on a path he never expected.

“I got my white card and started as a labourer. That was my first introduction to the construction sector, learning about safety, how things worked, and getting a feel for the environment before I found an opportunity on a quarry,” Brandon recalls.

After gaining experience on a loader, Brandon was asked if he’d like to help out in one of the local quarries.

“At first, I didn’t really know what a quarry was,” he laughs. “I imagined it as just a pit with rocks in it, but I quickly learned it’s much more than that. There’s a large amount of coordination and teamwork involved, and it takes a lot of skilled people to do it well.”

Over the past decade, Brandon’s career has grown in ways he never imagined. He started out labouring and gradually took on more responsibility, always eager to learn new skills.

“If someone was off sick or it was a quiet day, my supervisor would ask if I wanted to learn a new machine,” he said. “I always jumped at the chance. That attitude helped me gain experience on a wide variety of machinery, which opened up even more pathways, like GPS work on bulldozers, supervising, and eventually managing my own projects.”

Now, Brandon is studying for his quarry manager’s certificate, with a long-term goal of helping modernise the sector and remove some of the stigma around quarrying.

“I want to create an environment where people feel comfortable and supported, not worried by old stories or misconceptions,” he said.

“I love working with people, tackling complex tasks as a team, and I want to give back by mentoring others who are just starting out - especially those who might feel a bit lost after school, like I did.”

For Brandon, the variety is what keeps things interesting. “It’s not just about doing one thing all day, there are so many different jobs and machines, and every day brings something new,” Brandon said.

“The teamwork is fantastic, and I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing what I’ve learned. There are so many opportunities in the sector, and I’ve found a real sense of purpose and pride in my work.”

He wishes more young people knew about the opportunities in the sector.

“When I finished year 12, I was confused and unsure about my next step. If I’d known about the different pathways and careers available in this industry, I would have jumped in much sooner. It’s a great fit for hands-on learners like me.”

 Likewise, Brandon is keen to dispel the myths about quarrying.

 “There’s a stigma that it’s a tough or even dangerous environment, but that’s not the reality I’ve experienced,” he said.’

“The sector  is full of regular people, your neighbours, friends, and community members, who take pride in their work.

“The materials we produce are the backbone of our daily lives, from roads and houses to marinas and infrastructure. We’re local, and we care deeply about our community and the environment.”
He takes pride in knowing the work he does helps build the very infrastructure his community relies on.

“We hold ourselves to high standards because what we produce stays in our community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to look back at a finished project and know you were part of something lasting.”

Outside of work, Brandon enjoys ice hockey and building computers, hobbies that help him maintain a healthy work-life balance.

“Ice hockey might seem odd in Western Australia, but I love the fast pace and the challenge,” he said.

“Building computers is another passion. I enjoy tinkering and problem-solving, even if things don’t always work the first time. These hobbies help me unwind, and I’m grateful that my job allows me to go home every night and enjoy my weekends with friends and family.”

Brandon’s advice to anyone feeling lost after school is simple: “Take a breath and just take the first step. It doesn’t have to be quarrying, but for me, that first step changed my life.

“There are so many roles in this sector that you can look at - plant operator, site supervisor, project manager, engineer, driller, blast crew, rock breaker, truck loader, and more. Each has its own subcategories and opportunities for growth. If you’re hands-on and willing to learn, there’s something here for you.

“Quarrying isn’t always easy. It can be tough, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You get to solve complex problems, work as part of a team, and build skills that are valuable both at work and in daily life. Safety is a huge priority for us. Every day starts with a focus on making sure everyone goes home safely. We look out for each other, and that sense of community is one of the best parts of the job.”

For Brandon, quarrying has given him a career, a sense of pride, and a community. He hopes more people will give it a chance and see for themselves what this sector has to offer.

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