I’ve learned that the key to success in the steel industry is hard work and diligence. This means that anyone can be successful in the steel industry, no matter their social or academic background.
Just look at my career: when I was in Year 10, unemployment hit Newcastle in a profound way. We were encouraged to leave school and find work wherever we could. And so, I started my career as an apprentice electrical fitter/mechanic at Newcastle Steelworks. I studied at night for years, eventually gaining a masters degree.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in Australia, the United States, and across Asia. I’ve held management positions with several of Australia’s largest steel companies including Smorgon Steel Tube Mills, BlueScope and Orrcon Steel. And today I am the chair of the ASI.
Choosing a career in steel is not just about opting for a job—it’s embracing a future filled with potential. From research and development, to the architectural wonders we construct, steel offers a world of opportunity.
As an industry, we need to demonstrate the wide-ranging opportunities for young people in steel—growth opportunities, a high degree of job security, and a raft of other benefits. I am doing my utmost best to make sure the younger generations have all the opportunities that were made available for me. I am focused on making sure that they know that a career in steel can help make their aspirations a reality.
As professionals within the Australian steel supply chain, we have witnessed the highs and lows of our industry. Yet, through resilience and innovation, we have consistently risen to every challenge. This is another one of those defining moments where we reassert the value of steel not just as a building material, but as the bedrock for a resilient, sustainable future, and a rewarding career for future generations.
As the theme of this year’s Steel Convention encouraged: together, let’s Choose Steel. Let’s choose ambition, resilience, and a brighter future for all.
Tony Schreiber
Chair of the Australian Steel Institute
