Do you remember hearing stories about people in their 20’s earning $200,000 a year during the 2013 mining boom in Australia? At its peak, iron ore prices were US$120 a tonne and it hit its lowest in 2015 when prices fell to $38 a tonne. The aftermath of the slump that followed since were felt across the nation. The good news is that the mining industry is on the rise AGAIN so keep reading to find out how you can take advantage of this to progress your career.
Due to iron ore supply disruptions from Brazil earlier this year and China’s continuing demand, iron ore prices have risen to US$107.50. Mining companies in Australia are currently riding high and in need of more than 20,000 extra workers by 2024. The new jobs expected to be created by 2024 include 8660 mining plant operators; 2847 heavy diesel fitters; 4110 supervisors and other white-collar roles; 4180 engineers, technicians, geologists and related roles; and 970 other trades such as electrical, mechanical and maintenance workers.
Last month, BHP opened its biggest Pilbara camp which can accommodate up to 2500 workers and features a three-storey café, masterclass cooking demonstration kitchen, CrossFit gym, music stage, library and barbecue around every corner. Other mining giants are in a similar process of preparing for what’s coming ahead.
This time around, the industry is determined to avoid making the same mistakes of the past where several mining projects were delayed due to skills shortages. Western Australia in particular will have the largest mining workforce demand with 30 projects needing around 10,679 workers by 2024. So, let’s discuss what you can do to get your foot in the door and earn more than $3000 a week.
HOW CAN YOU GET A JOB IN MINING?
You can land an entry level mining job with no mining experience and no qualifications if you have the right tickets and licenses. Yes, it will cost a bit of money upfront to obtain these licenses but this investment will pave the way forward to a rewarding career in the mines. Of the many licenses/ tickets required for different roles, here are a few worth considering to get your foot in the door:
1. Elevated Work Platform Ticket
Our nationally accredited Elevated Work Platform (EWP) course is designed for people who are intending to get a license to operate an Elevated Work Platform with a boom length of over 11 metres. To find out more about the course or enroll, please click here.
2. Working at Heights Ticket
Nara Training’s nationally accredited Working at Heights course is designed to give participants the necessary skills and knowledge to work safely at heights and competently in various roles. In addition to safe work practices, the course covers topics such as safe use of equipment, risk management and relevant Australian standards. To find out more about the course or enroll, please click here.
3. Confined Space Ticket
Our nationally accredited Confined Space course is designed to give participants the necessary skills and knowledge to enter and work in confined spaces in various roles. To find out more about the course or enroll, please click here.
4. Gas Test Atmosphere Ticket
Nara Training’s nationally accredited course is designed to give participants the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct testing and sampling in hazardous environments to safely enter and work in confined spaces. To find out more about the course or enroll, please click here.
In the coming few months and years, you can expect to be competing with thousands of job seekers both locally and inter-state wanting to get their slice of the pie. These tickets can literally be your ticket to a prosperous future as it will give you an edge over your competitors. Once you have the necessary tickets, the recruitment team at Skill Hire can connect you directly with potential employers and place you in a suitable role. To discuss your career path with our recruitment team, please contact us here or call us on 9376 2800.
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