The current boom in demand for Australia’s minerals and energy resources, is creating a huge demand for skilled workers in Australia.  In fact, over the next 12 years an additional 90,000 more people will be required - Over 30% of these will be tradespeople, 30% skilled operators, 10% professionals.

Right now, the greatest number of job opportunities are in Western Australia and Queensland, but there are vacancies available in the other States and the Northern Territory. For more information on the Western Australian minerals industry visit www.peopleforthefuture.com.au. 

To find out where operating mining and processing sites are in Australia, go to the Australian Mines Atlas.

While the specific skills required vary from site to site, in general, mining companies look for people who:

•    Have a positive approach to safety;
•    Have a positive, willing attitude, ready to 'have a go';
•    Are in good general physical and mental health;
•    Are willing to relocate or travel to remote sites;
•    Are ready to learn and gain more skills.

Ask some Queensland engineering and science students about the industry through their fun blog. Visit www.drillin.com.au

Member companies of the Minerals Council of Australia represent over 85% of Australia’s mineral output.
 
Follow the links to further listings of resource sector companies that are members of the following associations:
Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia
NSW Minerals Council
Northern Territory Minerals Council
Queensland Resources Council
South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy
Tasmanian Minerals Council
Victorian Division - Minerals Council of Australia

You have to be over 16 years old to enter the resources sector, but companies prefer to employ people who have at least finished Year 12 or an equivalent vocational or university course and have had some post school life experience.

Industry salaries can range from $40,000 to $260,000+ depending on experience and qualifications. For further information, choose a Job Profile that interests you.

•    People with relevant and recent experience are highly sought after;
•    TAFE accredited Certificates - level III or higher in relevant areas;
•    Heavy vehicle (HR) licence and previous experience operating heavy machinery;
•    People with a recently acquired first aid certificate and a pre-employment medical examination, give themselves an added advantage;
•    Mining and Resource Contractors Safety Training Association (MARCSTA) accreditation;
•    Visit the Institute of Trade Skills Excellence or www.skillsone.com.au for more information on working with a trade in the minerals industry.

Yes, provided you are over 16 years of age. However, your chances of employment increase significantly if you have completed Year 12 and have a relevant TAFE qualification or university course in a discipline related to the resources industry. This is the only age limit associated with the industry.

‘Vac Work’ is paid vacation employment for university students. Students from a number of disciplines can apply for Vac Work.  Is successful, they will not only gain valuable hands-on experience for which they will be paid, but they will also have the chance to build a relationship with a potential employer.

For further information go to Vac Work.

Heaps!!    Mining companies are continually looking for more ways to attract women to work in the industry and to help them balance the pressures of children and family.  Women are highly valued members of any team across the entire industry.

The principles of equal opportunity for all employees, regardless of race, sex or physical disability apply across the resources sector and companies promote a diverse working environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Yes, but these jobs are limited.  You can be lucky and get a break if you live close to a mining operation and/or know someone working in the industry. It is best to get some qualifications and experience first. Many mining companies use contracting companies to employ skilled operators or tradespeople.   A First Aid qualification is valuable as this is an extremely safety conscious industry.

It is important to note that mining operations around Australia have zero drug and alcohol tolerance.

It is important to realise that right now, many people are trying find a job in the minerals industry.  Many people do not realise how skilled and specialised the work is.  Every day companies are getting inquiries from people looking for work.

All companies have websites – you are best to apply on-line, whether if be it for a particular job vacancy or an apprenticeship, traineeship or a graduate program.

Remember, there are many contracting companies that carry out much of the work on a mining operation – so, depending on the nature of the job, you may need to apply to them, not the company that runs a particular operation.

So…..

•    Apply to companies through their careers/recruitment website for a specific job, or type of job;
•    Search national recruitment websites like www.seek.com.au and www.careerone.com.au;
•    Make sure your application provides the information asked for in the advertisement;
•    Attach a CV to your application explaining your qualifications, skills and experience;
•    Avoid saying “I am willing to do anything”;
•    Apply for positions through mining recruitment and labour hire companies;
•    Do some preliminary training or complete an undergraduate degree that is related to work in the minerals industry that your are interested in;
•    Apply for positions with sub contractors and businesses that supply goods and services to the minerals industry;
•    Visit www.peopleforthefuture.com.au and www.gowestnow.com for information the industry in Western Australia;
•    Visit the Institute of Trade Skills Excellence or www.skillsone.com.au for more information on working with a trade in the minerals industry.

If you do not have any experience, there are many companies nationally that provide training, but may not guarantee employment and can be expensive. If you know which company you want to work for, try to find out how they employ their drivers and operators and what skills are required. Other companies such as Richards Mining Services and Mining Training Services run operator and driver traineeships.

Some mining companies offer traineeships and have the information available on their websites. For links to the Minerals Council of Australia's company websites go to Industry Contacts.

The following qualifications will improve your chances of employment:
•    Heavy rigid (HR) vehicle license and some previous experience operating heavy machinery;
•    First aid certificate;
•    MARCSTA accreditation;
•    Pre-employment medical.