Adult Apprenticeships in Mining
Australian apprenticeship programs in the mining industry are on the rise. The government have always been focused on skilling-up the workforce because the mining sector contributes to the growth of the economy through exports and tax revenue. Mining employers and recruiters need skilled workers to fill the positions that continue to be advertised every week.
Just take a look at some of the online mining jobs boards such as SEEK.com.au, JORA, Adzuna, Indeed and CareerOne. These are packed with jobs for workers who have a wide range of skills and experience.
Choose from jobs such as Air Conditioning Apprentice, Labourer Apprentice – T/A, Boilermaker / Welder, Apprentice Boilermaker, Apprentice Boilermaker/Welder, Apprentice Diesel & Heavy Earthmoving Equipment Fitter, Apprentice Electrician, Apprentice Diesel Fitter, Apprentice Locksmith, Apprenticeship – Heavy Diesel Mechanic, Auto Electrician Auto electrician-Diesel Fitter, Hydraulic Fitter Automotive, Electrical Apprenticeship Boilermaker Apprenticeship, Coal Apprentice, Electrical Apprenticeship, Electrical Instrumentation Apprentice, Electrotechnology Apprenticeship, Engineering Mechanical Apprentice (Fitting & Turning,) ID2303 Fabrication Apprentice, Field Instrumentation Technician Apprentice, Fitter & Machinist Apprenticeship, Fixed Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship (FIFO), HD Fitter Apprentice, HD Mechanic Apprentice, Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship, Machinist Apprenticeship, Mechanical Apprenticeship, Mechanical Fitter Apprentice, Trade Assistant/Apprentice and Trainee Drillers/Offsider. So many different types of jobs; each with their own set of skills and training. If you’re looking for an apprenticeship, there’s a few ways to go about it.
Do you want to be an apprentice?
Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and offer you opportunities to learn new skills and be paid in over 500 different job; and you can use your qualification to work anywhere in Australia and overseas. Find out more about how to get an Australian Apprenticeship here.
Australian Apprenticeships:
- offer you the opportunity to study and earn an income while undertaking a qualification.
- can be done by anyone of working age.
- give you the chance to learn new skills while getting paid in more than 500 careers and jobs.
- can be done full-time, part-time or while you’re at school.
Which apprenticeship is right for you?
Australian Apprenticeships Pathways has information about apprenticeships, career pathways and aptitude quizzes.
I want to be an Australian Apprentice. What’s next?
You must contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (Apprenticeship Network) provider.
They will:
- help you find an employer and registered training organisation to complete your training.
- provide a training contract for you and your employer to sign.
- assess you for a Trade Support Loan and other payments.
- provide advice and support to you during your apprenticeship.
How to find mining apprenticeships;
- Find the latest information about iMINCO mining apprenticeships here
- Download the mining apprenticeship guide book here
What’s inside the apprentices guide to mining?
- The mining industry – get to know the basics first
- Find out which apprenticeship will suit you best
- How to make a start – decide on what you’re good at
- What’s required in terms of experience, age etc
- Will you get paid?
- What you will end up with?
- What next (once you’re qualified)?
- Where can you find good jobs?
- Recommended websites to start your apprenticeship search
- You can visit the Australian Apprenticeships website – they operate from more than 300 locations across Australia or call 13 38 73.
- The Australian Government will give hundreds of thousands of Australians access to new skills by retraining and upskilling; a $2 billion investment
- Apprenticeships to be subsidised under new federal budget plan. 100,000 new apprentices or trainees as part of the COVID-19 economic recovery plan
- 1.2 billion wage subsidy program for apprentices and trainees announced
- Find mining apprenticeships on SEEK.com.au: Mining Apprenticeships Australia
If you are thinking about a career in mining, there are certain qualities that employers look for. First, it is important to have a responsible outlook and a strong focus on safety. Miners work with heavy machinery and are often in potentially dangerous situations. So some degree of bravery is necessary too.
Apprentices must be in decent physical condition and in good mental health. Heavy lifting is often necessary. This is obviously not a place where drug use is acceptable. Even some prescription drugs can cause reduced capacity and make for an unsafe working environment.
In many cases, you will need to be able to travel and work in remote areas. This is especially true in some of Australia`s mines. Some locations are “fly-in-fly-out”. You are at the location for a considerable amount of time before you fly home.
The available adult apprenticeship programs might not be near where you currently live. So, in addition to being willing to travel, some employers might also require you to relocate. Some operations offer relocation assistance for employees.
Employers are looking for “team players”. While it might seem like a solitary job, many of the roles are dependent on each other. Everyone has to do their share and be willing to work together amicably.
Like most employers, the mining industry is looking for people with a positive attitude and a good work ethic. If you don`t have a positive attitude, it would be worth your while to work on that. Few employers are willing to hire someone with a negative attitude about work.
The qualifications required to get into an adult apprenticeship mining program vary with the different trades. Having some relevant work experience is helpful. The programs are often used to obtain Level III or Level IV certifications. So, those certifications are rarely a requirement for the apprentice.
If you are interested in operating the diggers or the large trucks, you will need a Heavy Vehicle License. These licenses are issued by the state governments as special driver`s licenses.
First aid certifications help a lot. While the mines are much safer than they once were, there are still minor injuries requiring quick first aid.
Adult apprenticeship mining programs might not be the most popular but the industry is dynamic and exciting. There is job security and plenty of room for growth.