Working in a mine is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards of being a part of the industry is too great to ignore. Some of the highest paying professions in Australia, after all, are within the mining industry. 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 in 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 in a mine; 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. Workers can select among these options the schedule that best fits their lifestyle and needs.
Safety is something you value. Without 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 their 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.