It’s no secret mining jobs in Western Australia attracted thousands of people who wanted to earn big dollars – quickly!
Those dizzy days of ‘jobs for everyone’ have all but disappeared. However, there’s some good news ahead�. . . .�read on!
Western Australian resource sector projects have been racing ahead despite the dip in the market in 2013. Although the forecast of billions and billions of dollars worth of projects never got off the ground, there were still significant investments made.
“increased productivity and profitability”
Some of Australia’s largest mining companies like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Fortescue Metals Group spent a lot of capital on improving mining processes in a bid to increase productivity and make their mining operations more efficient.
WA mining jobs are predominantly linked to the iron ore and gas industry, with some gold mining also accounting for significant growth. When we look at mining jobs and where they were created, we generally think of iron ore mining in the Pilbara.
Chinese economy created mining jobs in WA
Back in 2012-2013, the Chinese economy was accelerating at a rapid pace and the price of iron ore from Australia reached well into the $300 a tonne bracket, earning Australian mining companies record profits.
When profits were high, the focus on costs management seemed to be a secondary concern as mining executives raked in the millions and everyone else involved in the mines did very well indeed – thank you very much.
“re-thinking the approach to getting a mining job”
As we commenced the second quarter of 2014, and iron ore prices hovered around the $110 a tonne, a different picture�emerged that has had�a ripple effect across the whole of the Australian mining industry – not just Western Australia.
For those who seek high paying mining jobs in WA, there is a new game in town – a tough game that involves re-thinking the approach to getting a WA mining job.
WA jobs market hots up
Recent news has come to light indicating that major projects in WA are being flooded with mining job applications, as the number of people looking for work in the State increases.
One of the largest mining projects in Western Australia in 2014 is the Gina Rinehart backed Roy Hill iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
Since December 2014, it’s estimated that about 5500 people have applied for mining jobs at the mine as it commences the construction phase.
“mining companies can afford to be very selective”
Reports indicate close to 600 people are applying for one type of job. In terms of Roy Hill management, this is a positive – as it means they can afford to be very selective who they choose to put on the payroll.
Although with the large volume of applications for the variety of WA mining jobs being advertised, the company are faced with the issue of how to manage the data.
“competition in the jobs market heats up”
This issue of too many applicants for a handful of positions has been a common issue in the mining industry over the last 12 months. As projects dry up, competition in the jobs market heats up and the attention now turns on the applicants to review the strength of their applications.
iMINCO e-books help WA mining job seekers
iMINCO has been documenting the issues facing many people are they try to get into the mines. A� selection of e-books have been created by iMINCO that targets the different stages of mining job applications. This is an area that an awful lot of job hunters are unaware of and education is needed to help people understand the application process and what actually happens.
“bewildered by the job application process”
Too many job seekers are bewildered by the process and many never hear anything back from a mining company or recruiter. This only compounds the frustration many people have faced when applying for WA mining jobs when there is no feedback from prospective employers.
This leaves a bad impression of the company advertising the job, and also leaves the applicant feeling worthless, confused and questioning their abilities in the work that they do.
“get serious about job applications”
As the mining industry adjusts to the realities of lower commodity prices, increased global competition and the slowdown in world economies it’s now more important than ever for job seekers to get serious about their job applications, experience and mindset.
“a formula to follow to increase mining job chances”
Mining jobs can be difficult to get – let’s be honest here. However, there is a set formula anyone can follow to increase their mining job chances. There are hoops to jump through, work has to be done, research has to be conducted, creativity and ingenuity comes into play and determination and focus are essential.
People looking for WA mining jobs must plan their move carefully and with absolute precision.
Some thoughts on setting yourself up for a WA mining job:
- Research the Western Australian mining industry (subscribe to iMINCO Project News)
- Read articles on the Australian mining industry
- See what types of WA jobs there are on the mining jobs boards
- Understand the resource sector in WA – do you want to work in gas or minerals mining like iron ore or gold
- Are you claustrophobic? Is underground mining something you could do every day?
- How do you tolerate extreme heat of 40 degrees plus?
- Can you put up with 12 hour days, often for 14 days in a row
- Will you be able to cope with a FIFO lifestyle? Could you be away from home that long?
- Would you be prepared to relocate to be closer to the mine site?
- Have you worked well in teams or are you a loner?
- What skills, training and experience can you bring to the job being advertised?
- Have you completed a mining induction safety training course?
- Have you considered upskilling or investing your money on mining training or machinery courses?
- What career path do you have planned?
- Do you have a thorough understanding of mining operations in the Pilbara?
- Do you have well-developed people skills?
- Are you the type of person who can take orders without being combative?
- Is your resume up-to-date and looking the best it can be?
- Does your resume have the right mix of keywords to beat resume scanning software?
- Are your interview skills as good as they could be – or do you need to improve your confidence?
Which ever way you look at it, mining in Australia is still a great place to work.
The rewards are great and the career opportunities are immense.
What you do from here on in is entirely your choice.
Do the research, learn as much as you can about the WA mining industry, get the right qualifications, prepare for success, increase your confidence and never give up.