Building a career below the surface
Preston, a proud member of the Délı̨nę First Nation, shares how passion and perseverance helped pave the way for a fulfilling career in mining.
Growing up in Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories in Canada, where mechanical services were scarce, Preston developed a deep interest in engines and machinery.
“I was always taking things apart just to see how they worked and fixing my own stuff along the way,” he recalls.
The opportunity to work at Diavik was inspired by his father, who encouraged him to apply for a position in the underground 9060 mobile maintenance shop.
From that moment, he knew he had found his path.
The 9060 maintenance shop is located 340 meters underground. It's where all major repairs and servicing of underground equipment take place.
A career built on mentorship and growth
The decision to join Rio Tinto was inspired by family.
“My father worked at Diavik for many years and always emphasized the importance of safety in the workplace,” he shares.
“Since working at Rio, my respect for safety culture has grown significantly - that will always be my number one takeaway.”
From the beginning, Preston worked alongside seasoned mechanics who eagerly shared their knowledge. “I was constantly given opportunities to challenge myself and push my abilities,” he says. “That desire to learn has only grown with each rotation.”
Now a heavy duty mechanic maintainer, Preston’s day starts early in the shop, where he collaborates with mechanics who continue to mentor and support him. Beyond the shop, he’s called into the field whenever equipment needs inspection or repairs.
His journey from a shop helper to a skilled technician is a testament to the power of hands-on experience and strong mentorship.
Achievements and overcoming challenges
One of Preston’s most cherished milestones working with us wasn’t just professional—it was personal. Meeting his wife on-site, falling in love and starting a family is an accomplishment he holds close to his heart.
On the career front, he obtained his Class 1 driver’s license - the highest level of commercial and residential licensing available in the Northwest Territories - through the Employee Education Assistance Program, an internal training and development program, which opened doors to new opportunities in his field.
But the road to success wasn’t always smooth.
“My biggest challenge was overcoming self-doubt about becoming a ticketed mechanic,” reflects Preston. “Repairs and mechanics were always just a hobby to me. Seeing what my colleagues could do was intimidating, but after working under great mentors for the last 9 years, I’ve gained confidence in my abilities.”
Giving back and looking forward
Preston’s adaptability has made a significant impact at Diavik. His ability to work in multiple environments—from underground shops to surface maintenance—has been invaluable. His contributions extend beyond technical skills; he has also embraced mentorship.
“The opportunity to be a mentor has made my technical training much more enjoyable," he says.
"Sharing skills and stories with other tradespeople throughout Canada is a great way to learn.”
Preston’s connections to the Délı̨nę First Nation have influenced his career path and continue to inspire him.
“I’m fortunate to have amazing leaders, including close family members - ones I’ve always looked up to as role models,” Preston reflects.
"Seeing the impact they’ve had has inspired me to become the same source of inspiration for the next generation of young Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs of the Délı̨nę First Nation."
Looking ahead, he hopes to become an owner or operator closer to home. Thanks to the support of our MyPath team, he sees this goal as a tangible possibility.
His advice for anyone considering a career in mining is simple:
“Take the leap and challenge yourself. I did, and now I am doing what I love. The mining industry has given me the tools and resources to explore my potential. Never let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do. I’m proof of exactly that.”
All mines have a finite life cycle and Diavik has planned for its closure from the outset.
MyPath is a program designed to help employees transition into the next chapter of their careers as production at Diavik ramps down and the mine site eventually closes.
The program offers career pathways for up-skilling, career change, redeployment, entrepreneurship, and retirement, along with individualized career counseling, access to education and training, and opportunities to attend job and career fairs.
Investing in the future
Developing talent is an investment in the future. Through early talent programs like graduate programs, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to various roles, young professionals gain the skills and confidence to thrive in the mining industry.
“What makes Rio stand out is the opportunity to shape the company’s future,” says Sandra, Senior Advisor, Learning and Development. “We provide opportunities to drive change.”
With initiatives like MyPath and Employee Education Assistance, we empower employees to take charge of their careers—whether that means growing within the company or preparing for new opportunities beyond.