Bek Reid

Growing Leadership, Opportunity and Belonging

Bek Reid’s career at Tomago Aluminium Company (TAC) reflects what is possible when opportunity, support, and a willingness to learn come together. As a Potline Supervisor, Bek plays a key role in leading teams, maintaining safe operations, and developing the next generation of operators, all while continuing to grow her own leadership capability.

A typical day for Bek starts with preparation and planning, followed by a safe start with her team where safety and priorities are clearly set. From there, her day involves engaging with operators in the field, supporting trainees, monitoring production and emissions, and working through challenges as they arise. “Some days involve incident investigation and problem solving, which can be really rewarding when the results are finding better and safer ways to do our work,” she explains.

Before joining TAC, Bek worked as an open cut mine operator. She was drawn to Tomago by the opportunity to stay in heavy industry while being closer to home, along with the potential to build new skills. That decision has proven to be the right one. “I was confident there would be plenty of opportunity to expand my skills and continue to learn, which has been the case,” she says.

Since joining TAC nine years ago, Bek has progressed quickly, moving from operator into leadership roles early in her career. She credits strong leadership and support for helping her take that step. “I was recognised by my leader to progress into a leadership role quite early, and I had plenty to learn. The leadership group supported me through those learnings and still do today,” she says.

Development has remained a consistent theme throughout Bek’s journey. She has completed a Diploma in Business Management and Leadership and continues to build her skills through mentoring and training. She is currently being supported to step into a superintendent role in the future, demonstrating TAC’s ongoing investment in her growth.

For Bek, belonging at work is about feeling supported, included, and given equal opportunity. “Belonging means turning up to work and feeling welcomed, supported, and like I have the same opportunity as anyone else if I put the work in,” she says. As a leader, she actively works to create that environment for others. “I make people feel welcome and treat everyone with the same respect and effort. For trainees, it’s about helping them see how their existing skills apply so they know they can contribute straight away.”

Bek believes inclusion at TAC is reflected in how opportunities are shared. “An inclusive workplace is one where opportunity is based on effort, skills, and commitment, not gender, age, or background,” she says. “I see that at TAC, both in my own experience and across the workforce”.

Feeling respected is equally important. “It means I can confidently share my perspective and feel heard, which makes you feel included and part of the team,” she explains. She also highlights the ways TAC encourages people to speak up, from team conversations to recognition programs. “We share ideas through group discussions, recognise people through T-Rewards, and celebrate achievements through things like the TAC Excellence Awards.”

Support and flexibility have played a key role in enabling Bek to balance work and life outside of work. Over the years, she has been supported to attend important family events and milestones, with both peers and leaders stepping in when needed. This approach has helped her sustain her career while remaining present for her family.

As a woman in heavy industry, Bek says her experience at TAC has been one of support and opportunity. “In my nine years at TAC, I have always felt supported in opportunities and training regardless of my gender,” she says. While she acknowledges there is always more progress to be made, she sees the organisation continuing to move in the right direction.

Looking ahead, Bek is motivated by the opportunity to keep learning and growing. “I’m excited about building on my leadership skills. Every day I learn something new or gain a different perspective, and the people around me encourage that,” she says.

Her advice to others considering a career at TAC is simple. “Give it a go,” she says. “Work towards your goals, be confident in your ability to learn new skills, and ask for feedback so you can keep improving.”