Mining. How to get your foot in the door?

[~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.