Mining Employment

[Blownlc]

Hi all,

After a lot of though and deliberation I have decided that the only way to fast track my ambitions, is to make a career change. Whether this be temporary or permanent only time will tell.

I'm looking and gaining employment within the mining sector, but with so many different mining companies, locations and mine types, I am unsure where to start. I have looked into a couple of agencies but have been put off by the fact that they want several hundred dollars up front and do not mention anything about actually obtaining positions for clients.

I have a young family and am located in Victoria so I'm looking for something that is FIFO. I'm a mechanical plumber by trade (heating, airconditioning and ventilation) with extensive experience in industrial scale mechanical services as well as managerial experience in the industry.

Basically I'm wondering if any of you fine gentlemen can point me in the right direction of who to contact or where I should be looking?

Many Thanks

Stu

[DX grunt]

Hey Stu

Google.....mining employment victoria, or WA or NSW, ect........ Should find enough coin to do a few mods. lol

All the best.

Take care out there.

Rossco

[Benno7]

http://www.riotinto.com/index_careers.asp

[Blownlc]

Hi Rossco,

This was my first point of call. But I haven't been able to find positions that I am qualified for, or ones that do not require previous mining experience.

I have heard many stories of plumbers, carpenters, etc gaining employment in the mines but can't seem to find out how they have done it.

All the positions I seem to find, require high levels of tertiary education, different trades to my own or extensive experience in the operation of heavy machinery. Non of which I have.

[Blownlc]

Hi Benno,

I have also registered my details and left a resume with Rio Tinto (only the other day) but this avenue has been entered.

[DX grunt]

Are you prepared to go interstate, or stay in Vic?

[DX grunt]

try googling......BGC mining

[nissannewby]

Hey mate i work in the mines myself and they are hard to get into unless your a diesel fitter or hv sparky. Your best bet is to apply for any sort of position with a mining company as getting your foot in the door will be the hardest part of it all but once your in you are set and can move around to different positions and then onto other sites until you find a roster/pay setup that works for you. There are mines in SA which dont require as much to get in as the ones do up here in QLD and NSW is also easier to get into as well have a look in the hunter valley region. Also dont be affraid to apply with contractors who do all there work for mine sites as a lot of full time positions in the mines are given to people who are already out there so if your there with a contractor it only increases your chances. Hope this helps.

[macca86]

I had the same problem as I'm just out my time of my apprenticeship ( boilermaker). So instead of a mine site I went and worked in a mine town (rockhampton) Payed heaps more than brisbane and I gained the experience I needed as it was related to mining.
Use seek and career one to find jobs and take anything. If you don't know anyone in the mines it's hard so tickets and more tickets help. I have trade papers ewp fork overhead crane work at heights confined space blue card and generic coal induction.
You get paid big bucks but the life style isn't for everyone so they employ people who have spent thier own money so they know they are serious about sticking it out

[Blownlc]

dx grunt: I'm definitely prepared to go interstate. Although I need a roster that is feeseble given that the mrs is due to give birth to treasure number 3 in August. We've discussed it, and a 7 on 7 off would be optimum.
The plan is for me to work in the mines for about three years, which is when treasures 1&2 will be due to start school.
If it works out well the potential is there for long time employment. That's if the wages are as good as the rumors say they are.
BGC may be of use. I'll call them tomorrow. Thanks!

Nissannewby: If I could find a labouring job to get my foot in the door I would apply just can't seem to find where these jobs are advertised. Are the wages in SA ans NSW similar to that of up north or west?
What is your skill set or job in the mines?