Building the Next Generation Mechanical Career
Press Release
Tahltan member Austin Carlick-Beck began his career as a Labourer for TNDC at Red Chris mine. Today, he is TNDC’s first undercarriage wear specialist, trained by Finning, and provides his service throughout the Golden Triangle.
The business case for predictive maintenance
Finning and TNDC needed someone who could regularly measure undercarriage components and ground engaging tools (bucket teeth, cutting edges, and anything that bolts onto a bucket or blade) on TNDC’s 38 track machines.
For TNDC, regular measurement meant moving from reactive maintenance to predictive planning. For Finning’s supply chain, accurate wear forecasts mean ordering replacement tracks and components months in advance based on actual data, avoiding expedited shipping and ensuring parts availability.
Track assemblies are the most expensive wear items on dozers and excavators, which requires measuring to be able to forecast it. Without regular measurements, replacement timing becomes guesswork, risking unplanned downtime and rushed parts orders and service maintenance. But this work requires physical presence, not remote monitoring.
An inventive solution to a growing demand
Finning was scheduling representatives from offsite, but as the fleet grew, they identified an opportunity to train and mentor an existing TNDC employee onsite. It would involve training and hands-on mentoring by a Finning representative.
Anthony Smaniotto, TNDC’s Fleet Manager, determined this was the ideal opportunity for bright, conscientious, enthusiastic Austin, who was experienced in tires.
The arrangement works as a contracted service, with Austin holding a dual role between TNDC and Finning. Austin works a two-week-on/two-week-off rotation, dedicating three to four days per cycle to wear measurements.
From labourer to specialist
It’s an experience Austin is relishing. He started with TNDC in March 2024 as a Labourer on the Mechanical Team, bringing experience from KalTire. With formal training and certification, Austin took on a more focused role as a certified Off-The-Road tire specialist, making him one of TNDC’s resident experts on this subject.
In May 2025, Austin traveled to Edmonton for formal wear specialist training from Caterpillar – the same training Finning technicians receive. Austin is now proficient at using ultrasonic measuring devices, interpreting wear patterns, and forecasting replacements. On dozers from D6-D10, he watches particularly for cracks on the track frame, a common failure point that can escalate quickly if not caught early.
“I like going to the pit and having fun, getting to work on big equipment – 793 haul trucks, 994 loaders, D10s, D8s, excavators. I really enjoy learning something different and using new tools. Working with Finning’s team of wear specialists made it easier to pick up the job because there’s someone who shows me what to do and can answer questions,” shares Austin.
Strengthening a model partnership
For TNDC, Finning’s wear specialist role is the latest contribution, which has elevated their status as a mere supplier into a trusted partner that views business relationships beyond transactional equipment sales. Finning has backed TNDC’s investment growth in its Caterpillar fleet with maintenance programs and support, and innovative training opportunities benefitting Tahltans.
TNDC CEO Todd den Engelsen commends these efforts. “Training Austin as TNDC’s first-ever wear specialist is breaking ground into a highly specialized and valuable skillset, launching a new career trajectory. We appreciate Finning’s innovative contributions – they have consistently raised the bar in the value TNDC’s partnerships bring, helping us build the skills of Tahltans and deliver on our commitment to Building Trust, Building Futures,” he shares.
ILR5
