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How Difficult Is It to Get a FIFO Job in Western Australia?

When it comes to questions about the FIFO job market in Western Australia, one that’s asked quite often is this: exactly how challenging is it to get a FIFO job? It may also be one of the hardest ones to answer, seeing as there are a lot of factors that can affect a specific applicant’s ability to get one of the many coveted FIFO jobs in WA. 

That being said, if we take into account the current state of Australia’s mining industry in general, as well as the ongoing developments in the mining job market, the question can be answered briefly as follows: it’s much easier now than it was before. In fact, we can say that right now is the perfect time to try and get a FIFO job in Western Australia.

We’ll go into the reasons why and in greater detail. Before we do that, though, let’s talk briefly about the basics of FIFO jobs and why a lot of people are looking for such jobs in Australia’s mining industry.

What is a FIFO job?

The acronym FIFO means Fly-In, Fly-Out. It refers to how FIFO workers are flown to locations like the mines they’re stationed to work at and then flown back out after their active shift period is over. This commute is necessary because the mines in places like Western Australia are very remote, and many qualified workers live in faraway cities. 

FIFO occupations in the mining industry can range from heavy-duty mechanics, heavy road transport mechanics, engineers, and electricians to store personnel, hospitality workers, bus drivers, and many more.

What makes a FIFO job so attractive?

A large part of what makes FIFO jobs in the mining industry so desirable is the good pay a successful applicant can expect, with compensations ranging from AUD 80,000 to as high as AUD 250,000 per year. This translates to about AU$1,200 to AU$2,000 a week. The amount varies depending on the company and the exact FIFO job position, with those related to mechanical and civil engineering getting the highest wages. Resource geologists and metallurgists also command a high salary rate.

Another major part of the appeal of FIFO jobs is the amount of free time that the shift schedule or “roster” gives the FIFO worker. One example of a typical mining roster is the 8/6 roster, which means that a worker stays at the worksite for eight days, and then is flown out back home to enjoy their off-shift period of six days. This free time gives them ample opportunity to rest, spend time with their family, and even indulge in holidays.  

Why is now a good time to get into a FIFO mining career?

As mentioned above, there are a lot of factors that govern how difficult it could be for you to get a FIFO job. The good news is that the major ones can significantly improve your chances of getting employed. These include the following:

Surplus of mining jobs. The Australian mining industry is currently suffering a serious labour shortage. Based on news media reports from , many areas in Western Australia are suffering from a lack of applicants looking to fill mining jobs. It has gotten to the point that mining companies are resorting to getting more FIFO workers elsewhere ib the country to fill their vacancies. The areas in WA that are currently under a labour shortage include the following areas: Pilbara, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Kalgoorlie.

New mines are already being built. Top mining companies such as Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue have already begun work on building new mines in Western Australia. This is expected to add more than 5000 new mining jobs on top of those still not yet filled with fresh workers.

There are multiple ways to get a FIFO job in the mining industry. Some commentators recommend that applicants should relocate to mining towns to get their foot in the door. While this may be effective, you can also opt to enlist the help of a recruitment agency to aid you in landing a FIFO employment instead. You may also apply at a reliable labour hire company that specifically provides FIFO workers to mining companies. Doing so will increase your chances of getting the FIFO job you want, competitive rates included.

The mining industry is currently experiencing a new surge. Thanks to increases in the price of mined resources, Australia’s mining industry is currently enjoying a resurgence of activity. As such, not only is the demand for new workers at an all-time high, but wages are as still as lucrative as they were before the 2015 crash. This makes now the perfect time to try and get into the FIFO job of your dreams.

There is a diverse range of jobs in desperate need of filling in the mining industry. The following is a list of the many positions that mining companies in Western Australia are finding difficult to fill:

Skilled tradesmen 

Vehicle and heavy equipment operators

Drillers

Geologists

Residential and underground miners

Emergency services officers and medics

If you qualify for any of these positions, then you have a better shot at getting a FIFO mining job than an entry-level applicant with no experience.

What are the qualifications you need to be successfully hired for a FIFO mining job?

While you do have all these factors working in your favour, they may not help you out significantly if you don’t have the requirements needed to qualify for a FIFO job. Check out the following list, and see if you’re missing anything.

Vehicle licenses. Many mine sites all over the country, not just in Western Australia, require that you have a current Australian manual driver’s licence. While some roles may not need it, it’s best to have one, just in case. Having a Heavy Rigid (HR) licence is also highly desirable for miners, but because obtaining this licence can be costly, it’s better to check with your potential employer beforehand if the position you’re going for requires it.

Security clearances. You will need a National Police Certificate to be able to apply for a mining job anywhere in Australia, the state of WA included. Besides this, you should also check with the mine site or your labour hire company if you’ll need to get any specific security clearances, such as state-based security checks.

Tickets. FIFO mining roles generally require the following tickets: Working at Heights, Working in Confined Spaces, and Construction White Card. Without these qualifications, you may find it difficult to find a mining site willing to take you on.

Medical requirements. After your successful application, you will be made to go through a battery of tests, such as a pre-employment medical, a drug and alcohol test, an audio test to check your hearing, a lung function test, and so on. Take note that some mining companies may ask for very recent test results.

A FIFO job in Western Australia is within your reach

Don’t waste any more time. Take advantage of the new mining boom to get the high-paying FIFO mining job that you’ve been waiting for. Bring your licences, your paperwork, and your qualifications, but most importantly, bring a steadfast and proactive work ethic. Working in a mine can be challenging and arduous, but the rewards are more than worth it.

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5 Must-Have Qualities When Looking for Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Australia

Of the many skilled labour opportunities available on Australia’s job market, some of the most lucrative vacancies are for diesel mechanics. Diesel mechanics are tasked with inspecting, diagnosing problems, repairing, and maintaining large vehicles that run on diesel engines such as trucks, buses, and construction vehicles. 

They may be employed at individual dealerships, repair shops, or even mining sites under a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) arrangement. Their daily tasks may include tuning up and repairing diesel engines, using instruments to diagnose faults in the vehicle’s circuitry, checking a large vehicle’s fuel injection systems, maintaining the vehicle’s hydraulic components, and additional welding, machining, or hand-fitting procedures for vehicle parts in need of replacement.

For this kind of hard work, diesel mechanics are typically compensated with a very attractive remuneration package. A number of full-fledged diesel mechanics in Australia cite high satisfaction in their income potential, their career growth opportunities, and their chances to travel when on the “swing” portion of their FIFO contract. But truly, not every labourer is a good fit for the job. If you’re sifting through diesel mechanic jobs and considering securing one, then you have to accumulate the right credentials. That way, you can prove your skill with machines, get companies to trust you, and build a long and viable career out of this trade. 

What are the qualifications that one must have in order to make it as a diesel mechanic in Australia? Here are five non-negotiable qualities that any job applicant must bring to the table.  

Proper certification. In Australia, you must be certified in the field of diesel mechanics in order to secure full-time work. Some examples of government-subsidised certifications in this sector are AUR31816, or Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology, and AUR31516, or Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology. These certifications will grant you a level of expertise in the field and adequately prepare you for advanced diesel mechanics work for any employer.

Being healthy and fit to do physically demanding work. Diesel mechanics have quite the daily workout in store for them. They’ll need to manoeuvre themselves to reach difficult spots, utilise heavy equipment with accuracy, and withstand working conditions that involve Australia’s extreme heat. If you’d like to become a diesel mechanic, you must ensure that your body is in peak physical condition, that you have enough dexterity and stamina, and that you can safeguard yourself against chronic pain, fatigue, and illness.

Proven to be an upstanding citizen. Most companies hiring diesel mechanics require police clearance and recommendation letters to prove the applicant’s good moral character. As such, you shouldn’t be lacking in your police clearance requirements before you apply for a job, and it would also be a good idea to secure at least 3 recommendation letters from people who have bearing in the industry.

Special knowledge in handling large vehicles and earthmoving equipment. Recruiters will demand for applicants to have experience in manoeuvring trucks, as well as specialty equipment like bulldozers, tractors, or excavators. As a diesel mechanic, you should indicate which types you’ve handled in your previous work. It would also be a big bonus for you to enumerate which vehicle brands you’ve used, as well as their differences in configuration and behaviour.

Attentive, detail-oriented, and relentlessly dedicated to safety. An applicant must have a genuine desire to do the gruelling hard work that not everyone else can do. They must also do it with utmost dedication to detail, be willing to collaborate with their fellow workers, and adhere to best practices on safety. Your role as the diesel mechanic demands that you be hardworking, careful, and sensitive to your environment. If you can cultivate these values while on the job, then you have a bright career ahead of you. 

Want to know what your prospects are? Simply head on over to Google and type the keywords 'heavy duty diesel mechanic jobs Australia' to find the ideal match. Here’s to being the person that an employer was looking for all along!

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3 Signs That You’re Ready for a Career in Mining

Working in a mine is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards of being a part of the industry are too great to ignore. Some of the highest paying professions in Australia, after all, are within the mining sector. After one of the biggest mining booms in history waned, however, many mining companies and agencies in the country started to find it difficult to fill their ranks and vacancies. As such, there are plenty of openings for entry-, mid-, and senior-level positions across the industry.

It’s a perfect time to apply for mining jobs, regardless of the would-be worker’s level of experience. First-time applicants, though, should consider if their lifestyle can accommodate the work required to be successful in FIFO jobs in Australia, or if they’re willing to make changes so that they can adjust better to the work and living arrangements of an on-site employee. If the following statements apply to you, then you might have an easier time than most in making yourself at home in the field:

Travelling frequently doesn’t bother you. Workers must head out to their work location either by flying or driving in or out. They typically spend 1 to 3 weeks on site and 1 to 2 weeks back home; as such, they must quickly get used to spending a lot of time on the road, waiting at the airport, and living out of their suitcase. Plus, many of the mines are in isolated locations and have different geographic and weather conditions that offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Workers must get used to these changing conditions so that they can focus and do their work properly.

You’re amenable to working long hours. The typical 9 to 5 just won’t cut it on a mine site; a workday here usually lasts 12 hours per shift, and workers are expected to report to work 10 to 14 days straight before they take a short break. And then, the cycle repeats again. It takes grit and dedication to stick to one’s job for long hours and many days. Fortunately, mining companies typically offer flexible working schedules, such as 2 weeks on and 1 week off, 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off, and 3 weeks on and 1 week off, to mention a few. Workers can select among these options the schedule that best fits their lifestyle and needs.

Safety is something you value. Without a doubt, mining is still one of the most dangerous industries in the country. While strides have been made in promoting safety in the workplace, including in mines, in the past decades, a sense of self-preservation is still a must for anyone who wants to work in mining. Industry workers need to be safety conscious regardless if they're working under or above ground. This involves strict adherence to health and safety protocols and keeping up with workplace and regulatory changes.  

Does a mining job suit your lifestyle? If so, then now is a great time to start a career in mining and reap the benefits of improved living, working, and safety standards for the members of the industry.

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The Advantages of Using Specialist Labour Hire Companies for Your Recruitment

If you need labour hire in Perth, the very best solution is to pair up with labour hire companies that not only specialise in supplying mining industry workers, but have the contract blue collar workers available on short notice. Regardless of your vacant role, a specialist firm will already have the best workers on their books for any contract, casual or ongoing positions.

To ensure that both the worker and client receive precisely what they are seeking, candidates are fully screened to assess their experience, qualifications, skills, criminal history, and work ethic. References are checked before a worker is ever presented to a client, so these labour hire companies will work on your behalf to guarantee a mutually beneficial relationship for a more successful and productive placement.

How it Works?

When you connect with a reputable company, the labour hire Perth specialists will not only supply qualified staff for ongoing or casual roles, but can set the hourly rate and pay the worker.

The firm will provide a fair and reasonable hourly rate and then invoice you for the number of hours worked by each person. Since the worker is contracted through the labour hire company, your firm is not responsible for any other employee related costs, such as superannuation.

Your company will not be under contract when you hire, you can just hire workers as long as they are needed. The workers will be covered for workers compensation insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and public and products liability insurance.

More Than Temporary Staff

When you hear the term “labour hire company,” you may assume that this is solely the remit of temporary placements. In fact, a quality company will not only provide labour for short term positions, but can connect you with staff for ongoing roles. Regardless of how short or long the placement, the candidate will be screened fully to ensure a good fit before they set foot on your site.

Law and Regulation Compliance

Specialist firms offering labour hire in Perth must comply with all of the national employment laws and the occupational health and safety regulations. All of the candidates are fully aware of the regulations, so you can feel confident that the workers not only have the skills and necessary experience, but will follow all safety procedures and rules.

Unfortunately, some labour hire companies do flaunt the regulations and laws, so it is crucial to research potential companies to determine whether they have a solid reputation. Quality companies may even institute additional policies and processes to promote conscientious workers to create a safe working environment. This also ensures that any candidate is fully trained and familiar with general workplace safety in addition to the specific procedures for the mining industry.

If you’re looking for reputable companies specialising in mining labour hire in Perth, be sure to speak to us. We have established a reputation as one of the best labour hire companies in WA, and the Premium Mechanical team is on hand to answer any of your queries or questions.