how to get a fifo mining job

What is FIFO work?

What is FIFO work? FIFO or otherwise “Fly-in-fly-out” is the term used to describe someone who flies to a job site to complete work (usually over the course of a week or two) before flying home when the job is done. Typically, the role is reserved for people who have to complete jobs in rural towns or when they are not within driving distance.

How many hours does a FIFO worker work?

The pay is also significant to make up for the inconveniences. FIFO workers also work long hours – usually 12-hour shifts – and seven days a week on site with very little downtime. The most common roster arrangements are 14 days on, 14 days off and 7 days on 7 days off.

Why is the FIFO lifestyle so hard to get started?

Reports ​from the 2000’s indicate that lack of knowledge and experience around the FIFO lifestyle, and even just how the mining industry in general ‘works’, were a significant problem at the time. Today many companies do provide new employees and their families with a comprehensive introduction to the lifestyle before their first shift.

Are FIFO workers in Western Australia struggling with mental health issues?

Lifeline WA conducted an extensive survey into mental health ​amongst FIFO workers in Western Australia early last decade and highlighted a number of significant issues. It noted for instance that many FIFO employees, particularly men, were unable to recognise when issues like stress were becoming problematic for them.

What qualifications do I need for mining?

The qualifications required to work as a Miner depend on the type of role and mine you want to work in. There are pathways through vocational education in mining and drilling, in additional to traineeships and apprenticeships. You may also need specific vehicle licenses, security and medical clearances.

How do I get a job as a miner?

How to get a mining jobResearch open positions. Job sites such as Indeed can allow you to assess available mining positions. ... Connect with professionals in the industry. Networking can expose you to employment opportunities as a miner. ... Practice your skills. ... Gain experience in similar roles. ... Build your mining resume.

What do I need for FIFO?

Let your HR recruiter know if you need some, as it's best to get them organised before going to site. Take a copy of all your personal details (emergency contacts, tax file number, banking details, superannuation numbers, copies of any certificates in first aid, HR licence etc).

Is it easy to get a mining job in Australia?

The mining industry can be very difficult to get into, especially if you have no previous experience or qualifications. You need to be persistent and have patience, when applying for mining jobs. If you're serious about getting a mining job then try everything until you have exhausted all avenues.

Is it hard to get into the mines?

We do find it difficult to place entry level people into the mining industry as our clients need experienced employees who are ready to hit the ground running. However, in regional locations we sometimes place people who are already based there into entry level roles.

How many hours do miners work a day?

Friedman said that miners often work 47 or 48 hours per week, clocking multiple 10- to 12-hour shifts, which is above the national average for workers, which is about 38 hours per week.

Do FIFO get paid week off?

Casual employment (hourly rates), you only get paid for the hours you work. For example if you were on a 2/1 Roster, you would be paid for the two weeks on site but not the week spent at home on R&R. Keep in mind FIFO positions always pay a lot more which means you would still most likely come out on top.

Is working FIFO worth it?

FIFO offered the opportunity to work bulk hours for 50 per cent of your life and have 50 per cent bulk time off, so I applied and got the job. It has enabled me to travel the world over the last seven years and it has made me realize its quality of life that matters.

Do FIFO workers work 7 days a week?

As a FIFO worker, you're usually required to work long hours, with very little downtime during your stay. You can expect 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week, and the most common roster arrangement is 7 days on followed by 7 days off, or sometimes 14 days on followed by 14 days off.

Can I get a mining job with no experience?

Despite a wealth of transferrable skills and boundless enthusiasm, without mining experience most job applications won't go far. Whilst many recruiters and job experts have long advised inexperienced applicants to apply for utility work on the mines, most jobseekers are usually unimpressed with the advice.

How much do miners get paid a week?

The average hourly rate in the sector was reported to be $52.30. “In the Mining industry, 63 per cent of full-time adult non-managerial employees earned weekly total cash earnings of more than $2,000 per week,” ABS director of labour employer surveys, Mike Scott said.

How much do miners earn in Australia 2020?

Australian Bureau of Statistics data show that the mining industry employs 256,000 highly skilled workers across Australia and pays higher wages than any other industry. Median weekly earnings for mining workers were $2,325 in 2020, double the median for all industries ($1,150).

Advice From a Mining Recruiter

I have worked as Recruitment Officer for a mining company and thought I’d share a few pointers in relation to getting a job in the industry, and what companies will look for when hiring. It’s a tough industry to break into, so be prepared for lots of knock backs, but don’t give up! “Be proactive and maintain a positive attitude.”

What are the Entry-Level FIFO Mining Jobs?

The term entry- level mining refers to having no experience within the mining industry. You may have years of experience as a trades person, machine operator etc but if you have never worked in the mining industry, you are considered entry-level or New to Industry.

Tips for getting that first FIFO role

Transferable Skills: Get experience working for contractors, mining service providers, and recruitment agencies will help you to gain relevant experience and transferable skills. You’ll also make new connections – ‘ it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’

Tickets & Training

We see many people getting unnecessary tickets and doing training courses. Research the role you are applying for, before jumping in and doing pointless training. What will be more valuable is safety awareness, relevant experience, a positive attitude, and team work skills – Think Transferable Skills.

How many hours do FIFO workers work?

The pay is also significant to make up for the inconveniences. FIFO workers also work long hours – usually 12-hour shifts – and seven days a week on site with very little downtime.

How many FIFO workers are there in Australia?

There are approximately 60,000 FIFO workers in Australia and this is fuelled by the large resource sector in the country. With a strong demand for our exports, many mining companies require a huge workforce in remote areas. In the country, because most FIFO work is done in the mines, the biggest opportunities are in Western Australia.

Why do FIFO workers struggle with mental health?

Despite the benefits, plenty of FIFO workers struggle with their mental health due to the long periods of time spent away from family and friends. It’s harder to make social engagements and attend important milestones for your kids. With locations in rural areas, workers also have to deal with extreme conditions.

What is the most common form of FIFO?

Although mining opportunities are the most common form of FIFO work, a lot of other industries are prepared to fly you in and out. From cleaners to kitchen staff, there is a huge variety of options available.

What is FIFO in rural areas?

With natural resources a plenty in rural areas, FIFO – fly-in-fly-out, as it’s better known – is providing the opportunity for job seekers to work in remote areas without the need to relocate.

Do you need to do an induction cause in mining?

Although some employers don’t expect experience, if you work in the mines, you’re still required to do an induction cause in mining so you understand the safety protocols. Consider some of the transferable skills you may have. Job sites still need other staff apart from those working the mines, especially in the hospitality sector.

How long is a FIFO roster?

A typical international FIFO roster for many places is 8 weeks on with 4 weeks off. This may seem like a long time to be away from home but there are worse rosters out there. Travel time to and from the site takes days, not hours, and involves long international flights, passports and customs. Many mine sites are also in remote locations with poor or inadequate road infrastructure, which adds to the travel time.

Is there a shortage of mining professionals in Africa?

However, mining in third-world continents like Africa poses its own sets of problems. Not the least of these is a shortage of skilled mining professionals. That means mining companies need to bring in professionals from other countries to make up the local shortfall. Whilst some of these professionals are prepared to relocate, at least temporarily, many are not. There are several reasons for this.

Do FIFO workers work in their own country?

We’ve looked at the life of FIFO workers who work within their own country or in developed countries but there are also many FIFO workers who work abroad. These jobs have some pretty unique challenges that those who haven’t actually lived the life may not realise. Or may find it difficult to comprehend.