Mining. How to get your foot in the door?

[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.