Fly-in Fly-out work has become wildly popular for West Aussies given its desirable lifestyle and high-paying salaries. Working on rotating swings, FIFO workers can earn substantial income with limited experience compared to other industries in Australia.
For those looking to break into the industry, MPI’s general manager of recruitment operations Brayden Santich said obtaining the required tickets are a basic necessity. “For people without mining experience obtain tickets, this can usually involve getting a white card, basic first aid/safety tickets and having a clean drivers license,” he said. “If you’re aiming at an equipment operating position some mining companies will require a HR license. Other tickets can include confined spaces and working at heights.”
While all are a necessity, a white card is crucial to work on construction sites in Australia — with a holder having proved that they understand basic health and safety regulations, hazard identification and site procedures. It usually takes just one day of training through a registered training organisation for potential employees to be certified to work on site.
Anyone successful through the application process will be required to undergo pre-employment checks. “All mining companies require a lab drug and alcohol test, as well as a national police check,” Mr Santich said. “Most medicals for industry are not tick and flicks, they will require different levels of fitness tests dependent on the position.”
Mr Santich warned that there are only so many entry level dump truck operator positions, so candidates should consider the long game. “Those wanting to drive a dump truck start in roles that are in high demand and greater supply like trade assistants or general labourers,” he said. “And then apply after they’ve built a good level of experience and skills around a mine site.”
Common entry level jobs that can help net a salary between $80,000 to $120,000 a year include cleaners, kitchen hands, day operators on a processing plant, laboratory technicians, camp attendants, laundry assistants, gym managers and bar attendants. Mr Santich also advised against using AI to write resumes, as employers can easily spot the difference.
