Hi all.

I moved to Oz in Feb 2009 and met a local and am in love (haha)...he really wants to get into a mine (isnt bothered what state) but we dont really know where to start.

He's been a plasterer for 8 years (he's 26 yrs now) but has no 'mining' experience. All jobs/recruitment companys want experienced drivers/operators etc.

Does anyone have any pointers on how to get an entry level job in a mine (he doesnt have a university degree and doesnt really want to get one) ?!
We've tried internet searches but sites such as "buy our book" come up, nothing of real help.

If you dont want to post publicly then please pm me.

Thanks.

Hubby used to work with someone in Carnarvon.
They got in by doing the cleaning!
Once you get the unskilled job, they then applied for the driving jobs and better jobs. Easier to get once your onsite.
They told him often people onsite get the jobs first or get relatives to apply.
So sometimes its not what you know but who you know.
Or start at the bottom and then once your in, you get access to the higher paid jobs.

Geraldton,WA is area to look into, as we are getting port,rail etc for the mines. Also more mining interest in area. Town is earmarked for rapid growth.

Gems

Hi Gems,

I may be coming to your part of the world soon, I'm having a job interview with the council next week, if I get offered it I may have a few questions for you, that's if you don't mind of course.

Darren

He might increase his chances if he has the generic induction tickets (I think there are two – underground and surface). The surface one is a requisite for all mines in QLD. Not sure about the other states. Then there are inductions for companies and mines further down the line but these are usually after employment is secured and the employer usually covers these.

Your OH does not have to be employed to undertake these courses. In fact a friend’s OH was taken on by a company that services mine vehicles/ equipment and was told before applying that they would look more favourably on applicants that had previously completed the mining generic induction course. The following has further info:
http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/generic_induction.cfm

I know there are several training providers – New Horizons is based here in Rocky and Sharp training in Mackay not sure about north QLD –sorry.

M x

Another thought - not sure how he would feel about it but now is the time of the year that coal companies start their apprenticeship intakes. It would probably mean a drop in wages but in the longer term it might bring about a more fruitful outcome.

Good luck

Mx

True, the big money earners on site, apart from management - are the tradesmen.

Thanks for your help guys/girls.

Ive printed off the details for the generic certificates (from the website link). I think it defo sounds good to get them sooner rather than later to show potential employers that your serious.

will keep you posted... he gets a job soon!

OH came home today and word on the grapevine is Walter mining are looking for 'men'. This is has come straight from the Oaky Creek rumour mill so no guarantees that they are but might b worth dropping them a line. It would probably mean working away from home to begin with - believe they are wanting substantial numbers in the Oaky Creek region (Tieri) 3 hrs from Mackay. It looks as if they may have to take on `green` labour. I had a quick look on their website but nothing about jobs on there but there is a contact email. Nothing ventured, nothing gained

http://www.walter.net.au

Well there are so many new mines planned or under construction in WA just by searching the net he should find something. TAFE do specialist courses which may be worthwhile if he wants a skilled job.

Darren,

Ask away Im happy to answer questions.

Gems