Meet Jacques du Toit
What led you to a career at Duratec?
“I was initially drawn to Duratec because of its growth and strong reputation in asset remediation, as well as the chance to be involved in complex infrastructure projects while continuing to develop my career.
I joined Duratec in 2021 as a Project Manager, starting out on structural integrity works at Fortescue Hedland Operations in the Pilbara East division. From early on, I was given the responsibility to run projects in a fast-paced mining environment, which helped build my confidence and capability.
Since then, my role has grown to cover a wider range of remediation works across different clients and sites. That’s allowed me to broaden my experience and gain a better understanding of asset protection across the resources sector.”
How does your role safeguard and extend asset and infrastructure?
“A big part of my role is identifying issues early and addressing them before they develop into major problems. By focusing on proactive remediation and maintenance, we help extend the life of assets and keep infrastructure safe and reliable. Ultimately, it keeps operations running smoothly for the client.”
What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?
“One of the key highlights in my time at Duratec was taking on full responsibility for structural integrity works at Fortescue early in my tenure. It meant managing technical delivery while working closely with stakeholders and navigating the challenges of an active production environment. That experience really pushed me to step up. It built my confidence, accelerated my development, and laid the groundwork for the broader responsibilities I handle today.”
What do you enjoy most about working at Duratec?
“The people and the culture are what stand out most. There’s a genuine can-do attitude and people take pride in the work they deliver. I also enjoy the variety. No two projects are the same and there’s always something new to tackle, which keeps the role interesting and gives you plenty of opportunities to keep learning.”
What have you learned during your time at Duratec / what has inspired you?
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of being adaptable and solutions focused, especially when working in remote or operational environments where challenges can change quickly.
What stands out to me is the level of experience across the business and how willing people are to work together to find practical solutions. Being around that kind of mindset pushes you to improve and take ownership of your own performance.”
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
“Take every chance to get hands on experience and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, that’s where you learn the most. It’s also important to build strong relationships early on. Technical skills matter, but how you communicate and work with others will make a big difference as your career progresses. “
