There are several benefits to working in the mines, including a high potential for income and numerous chances for career advancement. Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) work is popular in positions related to the mining industry because a lot of the large-scale operations are headquartered in remote regions of Australia. These arrangements allow you to manage your personal and professional obligations without having to relocate permanently.
Here are some essential details concerning FIFO jobs in Australia with no experience that you should be aware of if you want to start a career in the industry.
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How to get into a mining job with no experience
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Learning how to get into a mining job with no experience is easier than you think. The Australian mining industry offers FIFO jobs to both skilled and unskilled men and women worldwide due to the constant demand for their resources. Every state in Australia is home to hundreds of mines, and many contractors who work in these mines. Almost all of them have openings for cleanskins (workers with little or no experience).
Positions on mine sites can be either residential or transportation-based. If you live in a mining town, the free bus service provided by the mining company will pick you up and take you to the mine site; after work, you will be driven back to your home.
Driving from your primary residence to a mine site and living in a mining camp or caravan while working a set roster are examples of other types. When your roster is complete, you drive back home to take your scheduled time off. Interesting right? What are the requirements for a FIFO mining job? Read along to find out!
Requirements of a FIFO Mining Job
So, what does it take to work in the mines? The requirements of a FIFO mining job vary depending on the site and the role in question. Nonetheless, regardless of the position you seek with no experience, the following general requirements will be helpful to you:
1. Sufficient physical fitness for the role
Almost all positions in the mines are physically demanding. Your health and fitness levels must be ok.
2. A Pre-Employment Medical
A pre-employment medical report is needed as well. This will help determine if you are in physical condition to perform the duties of your job.
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3. Security clearances
Security measures and clearances depend on the location of the mine site and what is being mined. However, most sites in Australia require applicants to at least have a National Police Certificate (NPC).
4. A “work hard, play hard” attitude
Mining job roles often involve long hours and it requires people who can put in the work and also make the most of time off to do best in this environment. Also, you need to complete generic and/or site-specific inductions and have pass a Drug & Alcohol Screen.
Types of Mining and FIFO jobs
Many people are unaware that a wide range of jobs are necessary on a mine site. Some of them are more generic and don’t involve working in the mine itself. This implies that there are opportunities for people with a variety of skill sets available. Common energy and mining jobs (including FIFO jobs) are:
- Construction Engineering (SMP/Civil)
- Construction Supervisors
- Construction Trades
- E&I Techs
- Electrical Engineering
- Mine Managers
- Mine Surveyors
- Mining Engineers
- Plant Operators (Fixed/Mobile)
- Project Managers
- Project Planning
- Project Support
- Underground/Quarry Managers
- FIFO Admins
- FIFO Bus Drivers
- FIFO Chefs
- FIFO Maintenance Trades
- FIFO Security Guards
- FIFO Utilities
- FIFO drillers and offsiders
Benefits of FIFO mining jobs in Australia
1. Versatility
FIFO Mining jobs are very versatile because they allow you to stay at home while working a set schedule. You fly on a free chartered flight to work when your roster begins and live in a fully catered mining camp with free food and lodging. A wonderful strategy to save money is to work in the sector and get a mining job without any expertise. Every expense is paid for.
2. Good pay
There are instances of professionals changing their profession to FIFO jobs to earn more. Once you have the necessary safety and medical certifications, mine firms, like Rio Tinto, will offer you a job with high pay and assist with your training.
3. High demand for workers
There is a labor shortage in every mining hot area, including the Pilbara, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia; and Mount Isa, Bowen, and Galilee Basins in Queensland. The federal government has already undertaken trial programs offering money to unemployed persons to move to states where there is a shortage of workers.
You only need to be honest, committed, and willing to put in long hours away from home. High benefits include outstanding pay, cost-free flights as needed, free lodging, and free meals.
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Australian Visa for FIFO JOBS
You can apply to work and/or to obtain the Australian permanent residency through one of the following visas:
- 189 Skilled Independent Visa
- 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
- 491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa
- 482 Temporary Skill Shortage – Medium-Term Stream
- 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
- 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
- 407 Training Visa
- 485 Temporary Graduate
Current FIFO Jobs Available in Australia Today
1. Drillers Offsider/Assistant at Redfield Resources
Job Type: Full time
Pay: $40 – $45 per hour
2. Drillers Offsider/Assistant, Labourer (FIFO-MUST HAVE HR LICENCE) at Redfield Resources
Job Type: Full-time job
Pay: $115,000 – $130,000 per year
3. Utility All-Rounder – Townsville & Cairns Region FIFO at Cater Care Services
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: Competitive
4. Utility All-Rounder – Nyngan/Nymagee NSW Region (751)
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: Competitive