subject: Mining Jobs Inside The Australian Mining Industry [print this page] You can find hundreds of thousands of mining jobs all over the world. There was 129,000 mine workers in Australia in 2005 and nearly 700,000 in the us alone. It's estimated that an additional 86,000 people will be needed for Australian mines over the next 12 years. If you've got an interest in a career in the mines, there are numerous to choose from.
About 10% of the workers are professionals like geologists and engineers. The geologists discover the deposits. The engineers develop the plan that enables the operation to get started.
About 30% are trades people. Examples include electricians, mechanics, welders and machinists. But, any trade can be handy across the industry.
A good number of workers mining Australia are involved in moving, transporting or extracting the ores, oils or natural gases. There's work above ground and below ground, often depending on type of mine.
Driving dump trucks and operating heavy equipment are some of the positions that need experience. In some cases, special licensing is necessary.
In Australia a Heavy Rigid (HR) license is required for on road trucks whereas specific training is undertaken for off-road dump trucks through the mining company. Some Australian companies provide iMINCO training courses and assistance with licensing.
As well as actual mining jobs, office workers and support personnel are needed at most of the mines. All companies need secretaries, administrative assistants, accountants and payroll clerks, regardless of industry.
In remote locations, you will find cooks or chefs in the mines. Kitchen staffs, cleaning crews and maintenance specialists are also needed.
Australia's Challenger goldmine, for instance, provides a full-time staff of nearly 100 employees that fly in and out using a rotating roster. Free meals and modern housing with all the amenities are one of many perks for workers in remote locations. The perks help make up for the time spent away from home.
Australian university students can apply for "Vac Work"or mine traineeships, that can be paid mining jobs offering hands-on experience. This is an excellent method to establish a relationship with the employer and earn some money.
While there are some positions for the people with no experience, the best way to get started in the industry is to take courses appropriate for the kind of job you would like. Because the salaries and benefits are great, the mines get a large number of applicants for any position so you have to be noticeable from the other candidates.
If you don't have mining experience then it is the applicants making use of the best training who are more inclined to be chosen for the highest paying mining jobs. Having a well-written resume helps too as it is your initial contact with any employer. It is important to ensure it is mining specific.
