renth

I think they'll take you whether you have HNC or not. A lot of these jobs are exploration jobs so they don't have the strict rules re: alcohol like on mine sites.

It's bloody hard work though, I did it for 6 months. I remember a couple of lads from Middlesboro coming out to our site. Before the day was out one of them started bleeding from both nostrils, spewed up then passed out.

jps89

I hope he got straight back to work when he woke up! I think the idea of so many people saying how hard it is is the reason I want to get into it. There's no better feeling than knowing you've earned your money properly! Do you hear of many people entering on a WHV and gaining sponsorship for a visa after showing their worth?

KJCherokee

Come over on a WHV and get a job as an offsider, work hard and get the boss interested in your capabilities, then with any luck he will sponsor you on a 457 to stay on.

Amazulu

Mining jobs that entail sitting on your batty in airconditioning all day are hard to get. Mining jobs where you are required to work your ass off in the heat and dirt all day are easy to get!

Amazulu

Psychos maybe but in 2012, alcoholic psychos - no way. With the big mining outfits, HS&E is everywhere today. Some of the guys in our office were doing (very) remote survey work last year. The company's D&A people turned up at their fly camp one day and tested everyone. There is no way to get away from it.

renth

Things have certainly changed since I was living on an exploration camp. We had guns, dogs, drugs and free beer!

jps89

Thanks for everyones feedback so far it's all been really helpful and informative!

Just another couple of questions for now, I've noticed a lot of jobs asking for a HR license, is this a definite requirement I'd need or are there some opportunities where this isn't needed? Also, would WA and Perth be the best place to head for to get these jobs or are there better options? Thanks again for the help guys!

renth

WA probably the best place for these jobs. An HR is a definite plus (unrestricted so you can operate a Roadranger crash box).

si.young

Downer EDI have a zero policy in the bloody office never mind out on site, random alchohol/drug tests and all. No such thing as a lunchtime beer there.

jps89

Are they difficult/expensive to get? Are there still opportunities if you don't have one?

renth

I wouldn't bother if I were you. As a newbie driller's offsider they probably won't want you driving the truck straight off. Plus if you don't know how to use the gearbox you won't be able to drive it. You could do a course and test and it will probably set you back around $2K, but as I said, I don't think you should bother as in the first instance they probably just want to for your labouring abilities.

jps89

Does anybody on here know what the state of the oil and gas industry is like over there? Or if there's a decent chance of getting on the rigs if the mining industry is tough to crack? Also are they as strict on tickets needed to get on and things like that? Cheers

verystormy

Offshore work requires the tickets such as offshore survival. They are VERY strict on that.

With regards to the comments about drug and alcohol. Every site I have worked on and still do, allow a person to drink what ever they want on a night but you must blow zero first thing on a morning. Drug tests are randomly carried out, though it is well known that drugs are an issue and a surprisingly large amount of people are caught.

jps89

Ok so I've just started applying for my WHV, and I've reached the question 'When do you propose to enter Australia using the visa that you are applying for now?' I'm not sure of the exact date because I'm going to book my flights nearer the time so I have enough money saved up. Because of this I don't know what to put? Should I just guess a date nearest to the time I think I will be travelling? And if I do this, will I be restricted to travel only on this day? I'd really appreciate some help on this thanks.

verystormy

It doesn't have to be the exact date you arrive, but the visa will start running from then even if you haven't arrived and you can not enter until that date.