GOOD ATTITUDE: Quarry Mining general manager Phill Breese and managing director Kari Armitage.
PROGRESSIVE career paths will be put in the spotlight at this year's Skills On Show exhibit at the Newcastle Regional Show.
Beresfield-based drilling equipment manufacturer Quarry Mining will join the show for the first time, aiming to educate school students and show patrons about the local mining industry.
Quarry Mining managing director Kari Armitage said she planned to talk about mining industry careers.
"It's not just about digging a hole in the ground," she said.
The company employs 29 people across its two sites in sales, finance, warehouse and manufacturing departments.
The team designs and develops drilling equipment, but has also been involved in many well-known tunnel infrastructure projects across Australia, including the Lane Cove Tunnel and the Brisbane Airport link tunnel.
Mrs Armitage said she believed mentors were an important part of Quarry Mining's growth as a company.
She plans to talk about the role of mentors at work as one of the speakers at the Skills On Show NSW Mining 'in conversation with' hubs.
"A good attitude is more important than having skills," she said.
"You can always build up your skills, but it's a lot harder to change your attitude."
Mrs Armitage said her own career path was heavily guided by good mentors.
She took over Quarry Mining from her mother and father seven years ago and has not looked back.
"If you can find a mentor at work and learn from them, then you are all the better."
■ Quarry Mining managing director Kari Armitage will appear at the Skills On Show exhibit. The Newcastle Regional Show will be held from Friday, March 1 until Sunday, March 3.