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Minerals Institute of Western Australia

Photo courtesy of Pilbara Iron

Careers

Your Future Your Choice

The CME have released a new multimedia careers package titled 'Your Future Your Choice' which includes a CD-ROM showcasing industry video footage and testimonials by site workers, as well as an overview of more than 100 careers available in the minerals and energy industry.

Your Future Your ChoiceClick here to visit 'Your Future Your Choice'

For more information contact the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia on (+61 8) 9325 2955 or email education@cmewa.com

Careers in the Resources Sector

This site is designed to provide secondary and tertiary students, career educators and counsellors with information which will help raise awareness of, and interest in, the range of employment opportunities available in the resources sector.

The careers are divided into three sections.  Click on the links below to find an extensive range of careers in those areas.

Engineering based careers
Science based careers
Business based careers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out what jobs are available in the resources sector?

If you are currently seeking employment in the resources sector, you can obtain a list of major mineral and petroleum producers in Western Australia, along with their contact details by clicking here.

Alternatively click here to visit the Education component of the Minerals Council of Australia's website for a comprehensive list of careers available in the minerals industry.

Many people imagine that all jobs are advertised in the newspaper. In fact, something like 64 percent of jobs are never advertised this way. Many jobs are filled by people hearing about them through contacts in the industry as most resources companies advertise jobs on site. Make it known that you are 'in the market' for a job in the resources sector.

You could contact resources companies and ask them to send you an employment application form in relation to an actual advertised position. Alternatively, you could write a covering letter to their Human Resources Manager and enclose a brief resume of your knowledge, skills and experience. 'Cold canvassing', as this is known, sometimes gets results.

Below are some employment agencies who specialise in recruiting for the resources industry. Register with a number of these by providing a resume and brief career goal statement. You will be added to their database and contacted if a suitable job becomes available. 

Saturday's edition of The West Australian newspaper is a prime location for advertised positions within the industry.  Also, try to get hold of other papers, such as: The Weekend Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, Melbourne Age, Adelaide Advertiser, Brisbane Courier Mail etc. You may have to move interstate for the job you want. Don't forget that local papers from mining areas will have jobs advertised. These include the Kalgoorlie Miner, The North West Telegraph, Hunter Valley Star News, Mt Isa North-West Star and the Gladstone Observer.

Vacancies are also advertised online at such locations as Seek.com and CareerOne.com. 

You might be tempted to jump on your bike and head north in search of work. This shows you're really serious. However, this is a high risk strategy as most mining companies prefer to give first choice to local residents. Be aware, some towns (eg Port Hedland) also have an accommodation shortage and it's not very pleasant camping out in the northern heat or wet.

A final note of caution. The resources sector is not labour-intensive and is becoming more highly mechanised and technologically driven each year. This means that although job opportunities do exist, they are not what they may have been in the 1960s, especially for unskilled or semi-skilled workers.

What sort of employees are resources companies looking for?

As the saying goes...'horses for courses'. Different companies, in different locations conducting different mining operations, will want different specific skills. However, virtually all mining companies will want people with the following attributes:

  • willingness to relocate, or travel, to remote sites;
  • a positive, willing attitude, ready to 'have a go';
  • good general physical and mental health; and
  • ready to learn.

What sort of qualifications will assist me in getting a job in the resources sector?

  • Relevant recent experience, is the greatest 'qualification' you can have.
  • TAFE accredited Certificates, level I, II and III in relevant areas are very useful.
  • Heavy vehicle licence is a must for any driving job.
  • First aid certificate will always give you an edge over someone without one.
  • MARCSTA accreditation also gives you an advantage.

What training is available to me in the resources sector?

The resources sector invests between 4 percent to 6 percent of its salary total into training. This can be on-the-job or off site with a training provider (eg TAFE). All employees receive ongoing training in safety and health (OSH) and many obtain first aid certificates to qualify for OSH positions in the company.

  • Semi-skilled workers can receive training as plant operators or attendants.
  • Technical workers can receive training as field assistants or laboratory technicians.
  • Trades workers can receive further training relevant to their discipline (welding, electrical, mechanical etc).
  • Administrative / support services workers can receive training in clerical support.

Can I get a traineeship in the resources sector and if so where do I apply?

Yes, in certain skill areas. Visit the WA Department of Education and Training's Apprenticeships and Traineeships website at www.apprenticeships.training.wa.gov.au  or telephone their hotline on 13 19 54.

Is the resources sector an equal opportunity employer?

Yes, the resources sector is committed to the principles of equal opportunity for all employees, regardless of race, sex or physical disability. The industry promotes a diverse working environment free from discrimination or harassment.

How much can I expect to earn in the resources sector?

The resources sector is regarded as the highest paying of all industries. Salaries are based on:

  • qualifications (university degrees, TAFE certificates I, II & III);
  • experience (in minerals and energy or similar industries); and
  • performance (how well you do the job over time)

Companies also offer other benefits such as generous superannuation, paid leave and insurance cover. Some companies offer opportunities to buy shares at discount prices.

Obviously companies expect a good return on their wages investment - so if you're allergic to hard work, don't bother to apply.

Can I get a job in the resources sector straight from secondary school?

Yes, provided you are over 16 years of age, although your chances of employment are increased if you have completed a relevant TAFE certificate or pre-apprenticeship course.

What career paths are open to me in the resources sector?

A tradesperson or process operator can become a team leader and then, with further education and/or training, move into a management position. Provided you can demonstrate the capabilities to competently perform required tasks, you are only limited by your desire to achieve!

Who else can I talk to about a job in the resources sector?

Centrelink offices have contact addresses of job brokers who can help you look for work in the resources sector. Visit your local Centrelink, or phone 13 10 21, to register as a job seeker.

There are also several minerals industry job information services on the Internet. Although they seem to mainly focus on professional and technical jobs. Do a bit of 'surfing' anyway!

Also try the Career Information Centre Level 2, City Central Building, 166 Murray Street, Perth, telephone (+61 8) 9464 1305. You can make an appointment to talk to a counsellor about your career options. They also have a large range of computerised career guidance programs.

The Training Information Centre Level 2, City Central Building, 166 Murray Street, Perth, telephone 1800 999 167, is very helpful if you want to find out about training courses which will improve your chances of getting a job in the resources sector.