During the health crisis, Bernardita lost her job, a situation that, unbeknownst to her, would open up a new opportunity for her. “I saw on social media that applications were open for the Codelco Apprentices program. I thought that one of those would be a good fit for me, so I applied. A few months later they called me,” she recalls with a smile.

Why did you decide to apply?

Because I really enjoyed working at El Teniente. At first I didn't know what tasks I would have to do, but I was willing to do anything, because it's a company where everyone wants to be and I also needed to work. Of course, when they asked me if I wanted to be in maintenance or operations, my thing was operating equipment.

How did you get into trucking?

We had a lot of tests, a lot of inductions and I learned on the fly. I love driving and vehicles, but I never thought I would be driving such a big truck and inside a mine.

I was a little scared when they first brought the truck to me, because the space where we operate is small, about 50 centimeters on each side. But little by little I got used to it and now I'm an expert.

What is your job about?

We receive the material and I take it in the truck to the pouring pits in the Upper Pacific sector. I've been doing this for a year, but I entered the Apprentice program in 2021. There they taught me everything to operate the equipment and work in the mine.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in the mining industry?

In the Upper Pacific, there are three of us women. I am the only one in my work group. I have always said that I had an excellent group, they welcomed me very well, they all love me and I love them too. I am very grateful.

It is also a source of pride to be a woman who works in mining and to see, for example, when my daughter is asked what her mother does and she says “my mother is a miner and she drives trucks.” That fills me with pride and I feel part of this company. Everywhere I go, they ask me where I work and I say that I am a miner and very proud of it.

What does it mean to you to work at El Teniente?

The Division has given me a lot, because thanks to it my daughters are studying and I have been able to give them a better life, because we are humble people. It is me with my three daughters, all four together. So this job has allowed me to give them an education, which for me is the most important thing, and a better quality of life.

Does it make any special sense for you to work at Codelco, which delivers its surpluses to all Chileans?

I feel proud. The pride of belonging to this company that gives so much to Chile. The pride of being part of something that belongs to my country, that goes to my family and that goes to everyone.