Following the Working for Queensland Mining and Gas Jobs Expo on Wednesday, a Gympie council spokeswoman said the council was encouraging Gympie region jobseekers to attend this month’s Expo, adding that it may be well worth a drive to Maryborough
As increased numbers from the Gympie region take up careers in mining, company representatives from other regions may try to cash in on Gympie`s trained work force.
Last June, Ulan Coal representatives were accused of poaching skilled workers for a mine 30 minutes north of Mudgee in New South Wales. The Xstrata owned facility tried to recruit operators, electrical and mechanical tradespeople at a trade show held in Mackay. Whether or not their alleged attempt was successful has not been revealed. However, if the response to the Gold Coast event is anything to go by, an educated guess would say results were favourable.
For those answering the mining call, life can and will face new challenges. Gympie area resident, Javan Kobelt, works a seven day on and seven day off roster at a mine, inland from Gin Gin. Kobelt took the opportunity based on the income, but says it`s hard to leave behind his partner and daughter.
Long term answer for mining to invest in training
Like Mr Kobelt, there are still plenty of people ready to make the sacrifice, at least for the short term. But many job seekers are not skilled to the point mining companies like to see; hence companies poach from other regions.
The long term answer for mining companies would be to invest more of their own money into training. However, for those wanting to start now, yet lacking the skills, their best answer means making the investment themselves, find out what`s needed and then pursue their goal.
