Mining workers in demand

Mining workers in demand Mining workers in demandPosted October 13, 2011, by Louisa Veidelis With the mining and resources industries leading the charge in Australias economic retitelseitey, the shortage of workers in these areas is set to worsen. If demand stays strong in this booming sector, 86 000 more new workers will be needed in the field over the next decade, according to a report by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA). While there are currently opportunities to work at all stages of minerals and mining, from entry-level to professorial and managerial roles, the biggest shortages by 2020 will be for tradespeople and semi-skilled operators, according to the report. Mining in Australia Australias resource-rich land means that we extract and process large quantities of iron ore, nickel, bauxite, copper, gold, silver, uranium, diamonds, opal, zinc and coal. The minerals industry makes up 8.9 per cent of Australias GDP and 50 per cent of Australias total exports. Iron ore and coal are forecast to be areas with significant shortages. Jobs in mining There is a wide range of jobs in mining to suit all levels of skill, education and experience. Semi-skilled jobs (e.g. drillers assistant, trainee operator, labourer) require a good work ethic and sometimes an entry-level TAFE qualification. Skilled jobs (e.g. mobile plant operator/driver, underground or opencut miner, driller) require a TAFE-recognised skill set or qualification. Trades (e.g. electrician, mechanic, maintenance, welder) require a VET/TAFE qualification or apprenticeship. Technical/supervisor jobs (e.g. mine planner, safety and health officer, geoscience technician, environmental officer) require a qualification from TAFE or university and some on-the-job training. Professional/managerial jobs (e.g. various branches of engineering, environmental scientists, geoscientists) require a university degree and depending on the role, extensive experience in the industry. Where the jobs are There i s mining activity in all states and territories but fruchtwein current job opportunities are in Western Australia and Queensland. According to the report by the Minerals Council of Australia, almost 60 per cent of new workers by 2020 will be needed in Western Australia. Working conditions Many miners work rosters of two weeks on, two weeks off, flying to and from the mine site each fortnight. Mining and resources workers are well paid. Average pay in this industry has risen 60 per cent since 2004 and is higher than the average pay in financial services. Women in mining There are ample opportunities for women to work in mining and resources. Women make up around 10 per cent of the mining workforce in Australia and are recognised by employers as an untapped resource. The working and leadership style of women is in valued on worksites in this industry. Interestingly, female machine operators are said to have lower injury rates and be more steady, causing less wear and tear on the mac hines. Mining companies are trying to attract more women and many have redressed pay inequalities and introduced more family-friendly policies. How to get started Mining and resources employers look for workers who have a good work ethic and sometimes a TAFE or university qualification. If youre interested in working in a skilled or operator job, or a trade, you may need a TAFE Certificate III or higher, a heavy vehicle licence and Mining and Resource Contractors Safety Training Association (MARCSTA) accreditation. It would also be an advantage to have a recent first aid certificate and a medical examination before applying. If youre at university you might consider vac work or vacation work. This involves paid short-term employment on work sites and the opportunity to network with employers. Make sure your resume is well written and formatted, and includes your skills, qualifications and relevant experience. Your cover letter (written specifically for each job you apply for) sh ould give specific examples that demonstrate your skills and abilities. Both documents should be proofed by a friend before you start applying for jobs. You can see a sample dump truck driver resume and cover letter on our site. Finally, apply for jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships online you can find employment opportunities on job boards like Seek.com or on the websites of mining or contractor companies. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchessample cover letter miningunderground mining cover letterfuture jobs in demand 2018 australiainterview questions for mining jobmining interview questions CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online En quire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineLouisa VeidelisRelated ArticlesBrowse moreProductivityThank you letter to employee11 Top Tips For Effective Time ManagementTime management is all about making the most effective use of your time and working smarter, not longer.Australian workers are taking professional development into their own handsAccording to the 2013 Kelly Career Development and Upskilling report, employees are becoming increasingly proactive in self-managing their careers and professional development.Career changeAre you allergic to your job?Are you having an adverse reaction to your job? 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