Mining. How to get your foot in the door?

[zap]

Ok so dh and I are finally on the same page about the potential of the mining industry. Question is how does he get his foot in the door with no relevant experience?? I've read a couple of little extra things like first aid and pre employment Medicals are a good start but all the jobs I've seen require experience. Should he still apply for them?

TIA

[YoYo]

I would just apply. My dh is in the mining industry, he sells the stuff they dig up.... It's a good industry to be in on! Just try and try. Go to recruitment agencies and ask if there's any pre-requisite to get in. Good luck

[Trillian]

Some mines will do their own training on site, so apart from a medical there probably isn't a lot that he really needs. I know the mine DH works at doesn't require any previous experience if you just want to be a machine operator because they will train you. If he is looking at more the maintenance side of things, then he will require some qualifications for that. You said yesterday he's sent his CV to the recruitment agencies? Then perhaps get him to give those places a follow up call and see what happens next and what he should do to increase his chances.

[Ozstar]

Are you in QLD? Almost all the mines in QLD want applicants to have done their generic mining induction course as well as first aid these days. I agree with Trillian about following up with the recruitment agencies and asking them for some tips on the best way to get in.

[*Ang*]

My DH, BIL and dad both work north-west WA. TBH I wouldn't even bother with a medical as all the companies have their own specific doctors they go to and will make you go through their own so you will only be wasting your money and time.

I hate to say it also (I know I must sound very negative here but it's not mean't to be), but most of the time it's not what you know it's who you know. And you should perhaps focus on one or two specific occupations as there are some tickets (like forklift licence etc) that you could get before applying. It's no use simply saying "I want to be employed in the mining industry" you need to really know what job you want and research that.

[zap]

Ang that's not negative at all! Ikwym but it's not what you know but who you know!!

[Erin_25]

I agree with above, perhaps ring and speak to some agencies and see what he might need to do and focus on one particular area.

My DH has worked for several years now in the industry but is a trained Diesel Mechanic. There are many jobs available it comes down to what you are willing to do and what you know. My brother really struggled to get in (he wanted to drive graders) but he didn't have the experience, he had to take jobs doing other things for some time before he got the job he wanted and this required lots of travel around.

We to have moved a few times in 5yrs for the job, or there is fly in/out roster systems.

Where are you located? We know plenty of people in the industry in all different states.

[zap]

Erin thanks for the info! We are in Melbourne but Dh will move anywhere just to get a start! He would ideally like to do dump truck driving and strive for FIFO roster. But he understands that he will be starting at the bottom because of his lack of experience. He will even take a cleaning job with the right company if they encourage extra training and career progression.

[~Phoenix~]

I know it's not mining as such, but the Oil & Gas industry is taking off up in SE Qld and they are always looking for trainees (DH works in the industry & I used to). The rosters are mostly 2/2 or sometimes 2/1 and FIFO from most places. The companies conduct their own pre-employment medicals and provide on the job training.

[Erin_25]

Ditto to the above again also.....my DH has worked in mines and now is in the oil & gas industry here in QLD........they are desperate for workers in many places and will provide the training. Probably easier to get into that dump truck driving, those jobs are actually hard to get into straight up.

Just remember most FIFO positions are from the state where the job is located. So if a job in QLD often you will be required to pay for the Melb to Bris flight and then the company picks it up from there.....just something to consider. The pay is good but some of the incentives are not as great as the mining industry.

[tellytubby]

Persistence seems to be the key IMO

It took my dh over 12 months to get in, this is even with ALOT of mining experience, a trade as a fitter, doggers ticket, first aid, supervisor courses, and generics and inductions to every mine in the Bowen basin. There were ALOT of rejection letters in that time, was very disheartening!

He was very fussy however, would only apply to specific mines (his previous job had him working at every mine in Qld, and he knew which ones were the best to work for). He also refused to apply through a recruitment agency as he didnt want to be a contractor, he wanted to work for the actual mine for better job security.

I can't speak for the mines in WA. We're qld'ers, so only know the ones here. But good luck! We are really enjoying his roster (3 on, 1.5 off, 3 on, 5 off). They're a great company to work for, and definitely take care of their employees

But yes, persistence! And be resilient! .

Hth

[tellytubby]

Just remember most FIFO positions are from the state where the job is located. So if a job in QLD often you will be required to pay for the Melb to Bris flight and then the company picks it up from there.....just something to consider. The pay is good but some of the incentives are not as great as the mining industry.

Good point Erin

[lissy]

DF has been in the mines his whole life & most of his family too. Unless you have a trade I think the best way to get in is to start off with a company that contracts at the mines. Not sure how wide spread they are but there is a company up this way called 'Goldings' that has a pretty good record of hiring on people with little experience as operators & putting them through the training. Id definitely be trying the contractor companies.

[~Phoenix~]

Erin - oops forgot about the FIFO from capital city of job part, guess we have been lucky enough that DH has been with company long enough they have covered his flights from his home base wherever that has been.

Just had a look at the ad they currently have running and they have actually put the requirement of HC license, first time I've even seen them mention that in their ads.

[Hunter Mum]

If you are serious and willing to put in the effort then it can be done. The biggest thing to remember is it may take 6 wks it may take 6 years, but don't give up trying. I wouldn't waste money on trying to get tickets. Because you still wouldn't have the "experience" but just a piece of paper. Most competencies for equipment (assuming he wants to drive trucks or the likes?) are done on site. I would however suggest if he hasn't already, get his HR learners permit. In WA you need this licence to operate heavy equipment on most sites. They will often put you through this. Make sure your resume does focus on his commitment to safety, his willingness to be flexible, and that he is looking for a particular job. Re write (as annoying as it is) each resume/cover letter to suit each advert you are applying for targeting the key points they are looking for.

I would suggest contacting the agencies direct in the specific towns, not just via web applications or sites. Companies like Downer, Goldings, Leightons, Thiess are some contractors who usually will take on "green people" meaning no experience. Contact these people and ask how they run their recruitment ie. do they use labour hire companies or do it themselves. Contact labour hire companies like Skilled & Resco in NSW in particular Singleton, Muswellbrook offices, yes both of them. Also contact skilled in Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Kalgoorlie, Newman and Karratha in WA. Wokpac also have offices in these locations. There are also plenty of places in central Queensland (Ihave been out of the loop for the last 4 years with that). Keep a clear list of who you speak to, dates, and copies of each resume and cover letter you send.

Also, keep resume to 2 pages. People do not want to read through 6 pages of irrelevant information. Clear, concise and to the point.

I have been in the industry for almost 10 years and my DH for almost 4. I wish you all the success and hope this has been helpful.

[Erin_25]

My brother currently works or Thiess and loves his job. He tried several times with Workpac in Newman, Tom Price etc and had no luck at all........wanted way to much experience. But did end up eventually with a job in WA before finding one in QLD and now in SA.

Work out what he wants to do, what type of mine (open cut/underground) and where and go from there. Keep trying and remember there will be different rosters etc to get used to and obviously the cost of flying to the capital where the job is based if not where you are. Unless you want to relocate for a bit, that can open up many more doors.

[lilypilli]

Been reading the replies with interest as my DH is also looking to get a start within the gas industry which is now taking off in QLD. We are willing to relocate & fully aware that he will not be earning the "big bucks" until he has some experience/years behind him. Only problem is we are finding most job sites whether a labour hire or direct with mine, do not seem to advertise the general entry roles. They also will not accept unsolicited applications which I can understand however makes it very difficult if you don't have any contacts! Anyone have any other ideas? Phoenix 76, can you advise where they are advertising these trainee roles?
thx

[~Phoenix~]

Lilypilli - they were advertising through seek via their recruitment agency but the company has a hold on new employees at the moment.

I know for the department that my DH was managing, there was a minimum requirement of a truck licence - road train was a "big" plus. There are a couple of different departments which will hire and provide training required.

Has your DH looked at getting work with any of the service companies that provide the accommodation/camp facilities (PM me for companies names since I don't know if I can post in here).......I know a few people who have started out there and through "who you get to know" then moved onto jobs with in the service companies/contractors.