inside-guide-final by Resource Post

CONTENTS Getting started............................................................4 Minimum requirements..............................................7 Marketing yourself......................................................9 Resume tips...............................................................11 Keep track of your applications.................................13 Gaining employment.................................................14 Interview guide..........................................................16 The pre-employment medical...................................21

Section 2 – ABOUT JOBS Types of Industry Employers.....................................24 Types of Jobs and Salaries.........................................26 Camp and Offshore Life v Residential.........................26 Mining...................................................................26 Oil and Gas............................................................30 Oil and Gas Careers Overview..............................37 Induction..............................................................39 Vocational.............................................................39 Professional.......................................................39 Managerial.......................................................39 Australian Qualification Framework.....................40 Oil and Gas Roles.......................................................43 Camp/Offshore Support Roles...................................56 Mining Technician/Operator Roles............................62 Trade Roles................................................................76

Section 3 – ABOUT INDUSTRY The Big Picture.............................................................82 Mining..........................................................................84 Oil and Gas...................................................................85 Rosters.........................................................................88 Key Industry Locations.................................................88 Common Mining Terms.............................................104

Section 4 – ABOUT TRAINING Undertaking training linked to a mining job................112 General Industry Training Courses.............................113 Apprenticeships and Traineeships.............................114 Registered Training Organisations.............................116 Australian Mining and Oil & Gas Schools....................117 Australian Universities...............................................119 Inside Guide All right reserbed 2014

Section 1 – ABOUT YOU

Table of content

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Section 1 – ABOUT YOU GETTING STARTED

Some critical tips to get you started:

To gain employment or your next role in the industry, there are several avenues available:

• Have access to a computer – you will need to search for information and to lodge on-line applications. You will also need an electronic copy of your resume and scanned electronic copies of any tickets, licenses or other qualifications that you have.

1. Applying directly to resource sector companies 2. Applying through labour hire and specialist industry recruitment companies 3. Undertaking the training linked to a job, including Apprenticeship 4. Working for a small business or subcontractor to the industry 5. Using contacts in the industry. Before you start, consider: • Your interests – what is it that I enjoy doing? What am I good at? • Lifestyle choice – will I be happy working and/or living in remote locations and often in extreme temperatures? Does fly in, fly out work suit my personal and family life? Am I prepared to relocate? Am I happy often being away for family events, including Christmas? • What am I prepared to do to obtain the qualifications and experience required for my preferred role? Am I prepared to do an apprenticeship for a number of years or to obtain the necessary tickets and/or licenses required in my own time and at my expense?

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• Research, research, research! This is the main area where people fail. It is not enough to blindly send off dozens of resumes without tailoring your application and demonstrating that you know about the job and organisation to which you are applying. • Strongly consider relocating to where the jobs are – whilst many companies offer fly in, fly out work, they typically do this from the State’s capital city or a major regional centre (eg Perth, Brisbane, Townsville). Residing in the State, or the exact location, where you are seeking employment will significantly improve your chances. Companies will rarely relocate employees and families for entry-level or blue collar positions. Therefore, if you are applying for work in Western Australia and live in Victoria, you will find it more difficult, if not impossible, to get a start over others already residing in Western Australia who have similar, or even less, skills to you. Many relocate temporarily to seek work with contractors and to get a start – this approach allows your family to remain in your home location and for you to secure employment

• Identify the necessary qualifications (TAFE, apprenticeship, licenses or tickets) required and research relevant providers (many are listed within this guide and we also recommend you refer to the Yellow Pages under ‘Training and Development’). We do, however, recommend against spending thousands of dollars on tickets and licenses. Focus on the type of jobs you want as your entry point and that alone. For example, if you want truck driving to be the entry point, do only this. If you want scaffolding/rigging to be the entry point, do this. Then spend your energy and time focusing

on jobs which require that ticket. Again, too many people spend far too much money getting as many tickets as possible (this can come with time), but it needs to be balanced with experience. Nothing looks more suspicious to a recruiter to open up your applicant history on their database and find you’ve applied to everything and anything – it suggests you are qualified for nothing and, worse, can’t work out what it is you want to do. See next point! • Never say “I am willing to do anything”. This is the quickest and easiest way of ensuring you DON’T get a look-in. Because of the volume of positions or candidates available, companies do not have the time to work out which position you may be suited to. Couple this with the fact that there are too many other variables to consider (will you work shift, what salary, can you do fly in, fly out etc) and it becomes far too difficult and cumbersome for the Recruiter to work out your next career move – THIS IS YOUR JOB. You need to identify what it is you want to do and tell the company what that is and what skills and experience you have for that job. Again, really consider the type of job you want and continue to shoot for that – at least initially. Industry recruiters often receive applications from people in other industries – teachers, police officers, nurses etc – who all have fantastic skills which are transferable, but they apply to everything advertised and it ends up working very much against you.

before undertaking the big decision and expense to relocate the family without employment. It’s also important to consider that if you are going to apply to the majors for fly in, fly out roles, you will typically be competing against others who may have done the hard yards at a residential location, like Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland or Mount Isa for example. If you target your applications to the lesser known and preferred locations, you will significantly improve your chances. Too often we see spend significant dollars on completing training programs when their money would have been better spent on two to four weeks in a hostel for example, meeting with contracting companies to get a start in places like Kalgoorlie, Perth, Port Hedland, Newman, Karratha, Townsville, Mount Isa etc. When a job advert states “local hire conditions”, this means that relocation will not be offered. It also suggests it will be almost impossible for you to get a foot in the door over a local.

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• Register to receive ‘Job Alerts’ from company websites. This means that every time a relevant vacancy is listed, you will be alerted by email.

on their web page, they typically mean it – so if you demonstrate behaviours that don’t align with those values, you won’t last long in the process.

• Consider yourself a “product” – think of yourself as a product on the market. You need to consider what it is that an employer wants and then how to market yourself according to their requirements. The more you can demonstrate that you meet the requirements they have, the better your chances. Don’t use acronyms on your resume – assume the recruiter does not know about every mining, oil and gas term or employer.

• Think about ‘contact points’ – when a recruiter is making contact, what impression will they form? Too many don’t consider their voicemail message (does it identify who you are?) or email addresses, both of which can be very unprofessional from our experience! When you answer the phone, always identify who you are. There is nothing worse as a recruiter, having to ask, “is this..? when they call. Also consider where you reside in the electronic world – do you have a Facebook page etc? If so, ensure that it is only available to those you want it to be available to. Recruiters have become much savvier at checking on candidates using other sources like Facebook!

• Be careful how you respond to ‘rejection’ – we cannot tell you the number of times a candidate is black listed for responding to a “sorry you have been unsuccessful” letter with something inappropriate such as “F___ you” or “you can shove your job…”. As much as it is frustrating and disappointing to receive such a letter, resist all temptation! And don’t be fooled into thinking that just because the rejection letter looks like it comes from a generic email address or database, that the original recruiter doesn’t receive it – they do! All it does is prove to the recruiter that they were right to not select you in the first place – and they will make a note on your applicant card. For those few who actually write something like, “Whilst I’m disappointed not to have been selected, I thank you for the opportunity to apply and will continue to do so”, you’ll have no idea how that stands out. When employers write about their company values

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• Refer to the section on Resume tips – the more readily your resume aligns with the requirements of the role, the better your chances at screening stage. Talk to as many people as you can when on a job – find out about the site and the equipment you are working on. This demonstrates interest and builds your knowledge about what work may next be available. Build your network of contacts. • Target like-type environments – any roles where you are working on roster, working on shift, working in remote or country locations and demonstrating a mechanical aptitude will be highly beneficial.

• International candidates - Moving internationally, interstate or to a different location is a major and expensive undertaking. Before moving, it is strongly recommended that you do thorough research on the location and the jobs on offer. If you are looking to move from an international location, refer to this website which will provide information on all you need to know for migrating to Australia http:// www.migrationexpert.com.au/work_visa/. As an engineer, this will also be useful: http://www. engineersaustralia.org.au/about-us/migrationskills-assessment. Sponsorship happens one of two ways; you either apply for an advertised position and are successful (in this case, the company will sponsor you and coordinate the entire process), or you elect to commence the visa process as an individual seeking to immigrate to Australia. • Do NOT pay for online guides, qualifications, advice or resume services – be wary of a number of online services for fee. Our philosophy is that information for candidates should be free. Any qualification purchased online will not be accepted by the industry. There is no one “magic” resume template so be wary of anyone touting that there is.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS For those looking to get into the industry, we recommend you take a moment to consider if you have the right attributes to work in resources. Ask your self: Do I have a positive approach and absolute commitment to safety? • Am I drug free? • Am I comfortable working away from home for long periods (one to six weeks at a time), or willing to relocate to a typically remote location? • Am I fit and healthy to work in extreme temperatures, isolated and sometimes, dark, damp confined environments? • Am I comfortable working (and living) with very diverse people from all walks of life – and often with very different backgrounds to my own? • Am I flexible to work shift work and stay back on roster for longer when needed? • Am I prepared to do training courses and fly to my place of work during my designated time off roster? • For off shore jobs, am I prepared to undertake Helicopter Underwater Emergency Training (HUET*)? *This training requires you to be secured in a helicopter cabin in a training facility, propelled at speed and submerged upside down in a swimming pool. You are required, after extensive training, to un-do your seat belt and exit the cabin safely and calmly whilst underwater

• Target the ‘supplier’ – for many large mining companies and for most offshore operations, it is not the ‘operator’ who employs the labour. In other words, employees are sourced and employed via a labour hire company.

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• Am I prepared to complete an apprenticeship over a number of years, or to obtain the necessary tickets and licenses required (often in my own time and at my expense)? To secure employment in the resources sector, whether it is with a contracting company, supplier or resources organisation, the minimum requirements are typically consistent. You will need: • A current First Aid Certificate. • Car drivers license – A valid (ie within the State you are being employed) clean drivers license, preferably manual (most sites will require you to drive a manual vehicle at some point). • Other licenses such as truck licenses - Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) • First Aid certificate • Construction White Card • National Police Check • Industry experience / site experience • Other industry related training • Pass regular drug and alcohol tests • Pre-employment medical – In the final stages of recruitment, you may be required to complete a pre-employment medical at the company’s request, or as a minimum provide a medical clearance certificate from a GP. Some medicals may also require you to complete a Functional Capacity Assessment, which is an evaluation of your ability to safely perform the physical requirements of the role. • To pass a drug and alcohol test. • To provide two valid work referees.

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• To produce original copies of all and any relevant qualifications, tickets and/or licenses. • For offshore oil and gas positions: a current HUET ticket (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training); for either cold water locations like Bass Strait or Tbosiet for tropical waters like the North West Shelf. • A Miscellaneous Card – Marine Identification Security Card (whilst this is not required for all jobs, it is recommended that you do have it) • To be 18 years of age (in some cases, entry may be at a younger age, eg apprentices). Companies will seek individuals who: • Have a commitment to safe work practices; • Have a sound level of numeracy and literacy, particularly with regard to reading and interpreting safety and work instructions; • Have the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment; • Can maintain focus and output over a 12 hour shift and on roster, and often under pressure in extreme temperatures and environments; • Have the ability to use time effectively to complete tasks in a safe manner; • Are reliable, responsible and flexible to changing priorities; • Have and maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness; • Are interested in working in remote locations for long periods; • Are mechanically inclined (as Operator and Technician roles require the operation of

as to the safe work practices of the organisation and their commitment to zero harm. You are encouraged to read ‘The Pre-Employment Medical’ section to be familiar with the entry level requirements to obtain work.

MARKETING YOURSELF Some general tips to get you started: • Have access to a computer – you will need to search for information and to lodge on-line applications. You will also need an electronic copy of your resume and scanned electronic copies of any tickets, licenses or other qualifications that you have. • Research, research, research! This is the main area where people fail. It is not enough to blindly send off dozens of resumes without tailoring your application and demonstrating that you know about the job and organisation to which you are applying. Inside Guide All right reserved 2014

equipment, the ability to identify faults and problems is a recognised bonus); • Have a basic level of computer literacy. • Health and Safety - what you need to know Mining, and oil and gas can be a dangerous occupation. The industry has very strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and health of workers. Employers must demonstrate they have documented safe work procedures and that all employees mandatorily wear personal protective equipment like facemasks, gloves, long sleeved shirts and pants, steel capped boots and helmets. Despite this, workers in underground mines are still at risk of exposure to harmful gases, cave ins, explosion and electric shock. Similarly, those working in open cut or surface operations are typically exposed to extreme temperatures. Offshore, there is the risk of explosion or fire. In all environments, you will require good physical strength, as there is plenty of climbing, lifting and stooping involved. You need to be very mindful that your weight can have a negative impact on your ability to secure a role – candidates with high BMI may be considered a health risk and unable to fit in and operate certain equipment. It is stressed that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, together with a fitness regime is paramount in ensuring your ongoing success in the industry. Over the years the rate of work related injury has decreased in this industry, as a result of tighter government standards and a significant improvement in work practices. In selecting your employer, it is strongly encouraged that you make your own enquiries

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to employ people through word of mouth. Companies offer current employees a ‘spotters fee’ for any new employee who is subsequently hired as a result of their referral (this is called an Employee Referral Program). This means current employees are on the look out for people they think have the skills, experience and personal attributes to join the company. Because employees only get paid for successful candidates, they will only refer those they believe have a very good chance at getting a job. Therefore, be mindful of the way you conduct yourself around others and the more people who know you ‘are on the market’, the better your chances. • Register to receive ‘Job Alerts’ from company websites. This means that every time a relevant vacancy is listed, you will be alerted by email. • Never say “I am willing to do anything”. This is the quickest and easiest way of ensuring you DON’T get a look-in. Because of the volume of positions or candidates available, companies do not have the time to work out which position you may be suited to. Couple this with the fact that there are too many other variables to consider (will you work shift, what salary, can you do fly in, fly out etc) and it becomes far too difficult and cumbersome for the Recruiter to work out your next career move – THIS IS YOUR JOB. You need to identify what it is you want to do and tell the company what that is and what skills and experience you have for that job.

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• You are a product – think of yourself as a product on the market. You need to consider what it is that an employer wants and then how to market yourself according to their requirements. The more you can demonstrate that you meet the requirements they have, the better your chances. • Refer to the section on Resume tips (below) – the more readily your resume aligns with the requirements of the role, the better your chances at screening stage. • Talk to as many people as you can when on a job – find out about the site and the equipment you are working on. This demonstrates interest and builds your knowledge about what work may next be available. Build your network of contacts. • Target like-type environments – any roles where you are working on roster, working on shift, working in remote or country locations and demonstrating a mechanical aptitude will be highly beneficial. • Target the ‘supplier’ – for many large mining organisations and for most offshore operations, it is not the ‘operator’ who employs the labour. In other words, employees are sourced and employed via a labour hire company. • Be mindful of how you conduct yourself – ‘word of mouth’ is still one of the key ways people get a foot in the door. If you are not well regarded by those in the industry, it will make it very difficult for you to get that break or to continue working.

RESUME TIPS • Your resume is a sales document first and foremost and it must package the product - you - in the best possible way. • One size does not fit all - it should be tailored to suit the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. • It is designed to win you an interview, but it will not get you the job. • On average, a Recuiter will spend only thirty seconds screening a resume. This is not a lot of time to get your point across. DO: • Make your resume specific to the job and reasonably brief, but not too short. In Australia 3-5

pages is acceptable. Any longer than this and you are simply waffling. • Put your contact details on the first page, front, top and centre! • Write in the first person - write “I was...” rather than “Bill was...” • List your relevant details in reverse chronological order (ie current or most recent job first). • Include your achievements, not just your responsibilities for the last three jobs, eg “hauled record tonnage for the period March to September” or “member of a team that won a safety award for achieving six months injury and incident free”. • Consider what is the most important information to communicate to the Recruiter/Employer first – is it the requirement for particular licenses, qualifications or tickets or more about relevant work experience? Once determined, structure your resume so that the most important information appears in order. If a company is recruiting for a truck driver, your interest in scuba diving and cooking should not be featured on the first page with your HR Truck License details on the second or third. Remember – this is a marketing document and you have very little time to communicate your alignment with the job requirements.

• Think very carefully about your referees – too often people will select referees without knowing exactly how well those people will or won’t speak about them. Referees are generally asked to cite strengths and weaknesses and to provide examples - so the more these examples can align to what you have already provided, the stronger your application. Also consider that ‘off the record’ reference checks still occur – ie people may be contacted who are not specifically provided by you but who the recruiter knows you worked with or who previously managed you. Candidates can do well up until this point only to have their application not progressed further as a result of references from people that are trusted within the organisation.

• Re-structure and change your resume for the different types of jobs you are applying for – one

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size does not fit all jobs! By taking the time, it will pay dividends.

Fancy headings and fonts are distracting and sometimes cannot be read all that well.

• Put personal details at the end of the resume eg marital status or date of birth, but note that generally they are not relevant to the job and are not required.

• Use colours. A resume is a business document and whilst it needs a sales pitch, avoid gimmicks.

• Send your resume in Microsoft Word format - it is probably the most universally accepted package. • Invest time in ensuring there are no spelling errors and that the formatting is consistent. There is nothing worse than citing ‘attention to detail’ as a strength for example and then having spelling errors in your resume. • Use bullet points and white space to assist in the presentation. • Have scanned copies of your qualifications (tickets, licenses, trade etc) in case you are asked to include them with the application. DON’T: • Send photographs. • Use cartoons or other graphics in your resume. A drawing does not look professional. • Use hard to read, non-standard fonts. Keep it simple and use Arial or Times New Roman only.

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• Leave gaps in your work history. It is better to be honest if you ‘rested’ between jobs than for people to speculate. • Password protect your resume - you need to make it as easy as possible to view it. • List every training course you have ever attended - list only those relevant to the job. Cake decorating will not help your application for a Trade Assistant’s role! • Include a cover page – it is not necessary and often annoys the recruiter having to move past it to get to the important information. • List strengths or personal qualities! – a shopping list of strengths/attributes such as “team player”, “outstanding people skills”, “hard working”, “safety conscious” etc add no weight to your application – the person recruiting for the role will decide if you are any or all of these things and the list is typically ignored. Anyone can provide a list of so-called strengths – you need to focus on providing specific examples under each role as achievements that demonstrate personal attributes. The strengths demonstrated by the examples provided above:

• List your job responsibilities – providing a brief overview of the core purpose of each position is ideal, but listing your job description for each job is not. The list may tell the Recruiter what your role encompassed, but doesn’t necessarily tell us how well you did those things. Avoid providing huge lists of dot point responsibilities under each job. You should aim to provide a three line overview of the role, followed by a number of achievements for each position. That communicates to the recruiter, the purpose of your role and how well you performed in that role. • Apply for every position advertised – be clear about the type of role you are seeking and work towards that. Be mindful that large organisations can see how many times you have applied and to which roles. If, for example, you have lodged applications for anything and everything, you can become tagged as a ‘serial applicant’ who really doesn’t know what they are seeking. This works to your significant disadvantage! Also going in to a company’s database (using your login) and then withdrawing from positions you have already applied to (and where you have not been

successful) also looks poor. Best to leave the status as it is. By withdrawing from all positions you have applied for, it looks like you are incredibly indecisive – having applied and then deciding to withdraw. • Ask for feedback – when you have not been successful in getting a role through application only. Recruiters are generally working with hundreds of candidates at a time and whilst they would like to assist people better understand their requirements, it is just not possible.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR APPLICATIONS When you are actively seeking a new opportunity, it is likely you will have applications out with everyone, everywhere! It is critical that you keep track, particularly with those that tell you they retain your details for a particular period (normally three months). Inside Guide All right reserved 2014

• “Hauled record tonnage for the period March to September” (may represent being a hard worker, using initiative, able to work effectively for long periods). • “Member of a team that won a safety award for achieving six months injury and incident free” (demonstrates strong commitment to safety).

It is recommended that you maintain a log of your applications – this can be done on an Excel spreadsheet, a Word document, written in a book, it doesn’t matter. The key is to knowing where you have applied, when you applied and what you applied for. You also need to keep a note of any expression of interest you have lodged and when that might expire.

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There is often a lag time between when you apply and when you may be contacted. Typically, the contact comes out of the blue via a phone call and nothing looks worse than someone who has to ask ‘what did I apply for again?’! The candidate pool just got larger thanks to the current economic climate so you must be even more diligent about your job search and how you present. Job search IS a job. You can’t send off hundreds of applications and expect that to be enough. Think outside the box, network, and educate yourself on what is currently happening in the industry and what opportunities might present. Be mindful how you behave in social settings and online. For example, did you know that comment posts made on internet sites are not actually anonymous….and that if you were to make a derogatory comment against another person or an organisation, they can find out from the site you have posted on, who you are and take action? Whilst the current world of immediate communication has enormous benefit, you must use such forums responsibly. Employers are becoming very savvy in how they collect information about YOU, a potential employee. Just like you do your own homework - either online or in speaking with people - about a potential organisation, they are doing the same about potential candidates.

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GAINING EMPLOYMENT Applying direct to Companies Most major resource companies operate their own recruitment services using internal recruitment functions (in house staff) and the facility of an online application process is typically available via their website (refer to the list of Employers for more specific details and instructions). This approach is standard across the industry particularly with the larger companies, but it often takes some time between applying online and receiving a response from the company about a job you have applied for. This is because the recruitment function may be recruiting for hundreds of jobs and each Recruiter typically manages between 20 and 30 positions at a time. Some points about the application process: • Typically companies seek minimum experience and qualification requirements against which they screen the suitability of candidates. This can sometimes be done via an application form process where certain questions determine your level of suitability for a role and automatically screen you in or out against the criteria.

• Always apply on-line to major companies or where a company has the facility to accept applications via their website. Do not email a person directly unless you have been asked to or are referred by another person. Otherwise, it creates work for the receiver and your details are rarely entered into the database – you then miss opportunities. • Also note that major employers that have their own internal recruitment functions will typically always select a candidate who has meets their requirements and has applied directly to them, rather than being presented by an Agency. • Don’t ask for feedback on why you were not successful, unless you were interviewed or very well progressed down the selection path. Given hundreds of applications are received, Recruiters simply do not have the time to provide feedback on why you were not selected. The reality is that you

will be typically told that other candidates were better qualified anyway – which doesn’t provide you with any further specific details. • Where companies don’t have the facility to accept an online application and you are required to send by post, be sure that your resume is targeted and aligned to the job – this may mean changing the order of the information and editing in or out information that is or isn’t relevant. Refer to the section on Marketing Yourself. Working for a small business or labour hire company that supplies to the industry Employment in the resources industry often occurs indirectly through sub contractors to the larger operating companies. Resource companies raise the capital to explore and identify mineral deposits. They hire geologists and engineering experts to determine whether or not the resource can be produced. If the project goes ahead then large subcontractors are hired to do much of the groundwork for a major project, such as earth moving and building of mining infrastructure, or for offshore, laying the pipe on the seabed.

• The selection process can include a combination of assessments such as: • Application forms • Resume screening/shortlisting • Telephone interviews/screens • Face to face interviews • On line or supervised assessments (personality, intelligence and safety) • Assessment Centres (behavioural observations in team environment, solving problems etc). • Reference checking • Medical

The large contractors will employ smaller contractors to contribute to this work and also to provide more specialist services such as manufacturing and equipment hire, servicing and maintenance.

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Because the resources industry has drawn many people and skills from other industries, there is a real shortage of skills in particular areas. The small business sector is also experiencing chronic shortages of skilled labour particularly in regional centres around Australia.

INTERVIEW GUIDE

These small businesses cannot possibly compete with the higher pay that resource sector companies offer, However, not everyone can get into the high paying jobs and certainly not immediately. This is critical for you to remember – too many candidates seeking an entry-level opportunity, cite a salary requirement that exceeds their level of skill and experience - but because media quotes high average salaries, candidates believe they can achieve the same level salary first up. Put simply – you can’t and won’t so don’t exclude yourself at the outset by saying you want a salary that may be deemed inappropriate or outrageous to the employer.

It is your only chance to make a good first impression, so make sure you present well. However – remember, it is only a meeting, so no matter how much you want the job, try to relax!

Large companies like BHP Billiton, Woodside and Rio Tinto receive hundreds of applications for trades and operator type roles. When targeting your first opportunity into the industry, it is then often more effective to apply to smaller operations or contracting companies that provide labour to the larger companies. Too many people overlook this simple, but highly effective approach. Construction sites or short term shutdowns, for example, are considered the best ‘grooming ground’ for those wishing to get a foot in the door – however, they typically mean long hours and non-even rosters.

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The interview is an opportunity to share information, so be prepared to ask questions as well as answer them.

DO: • Wear appropriate attire - if you’re not sure what to wear, ring and ask. If your situation doesn’t allow you to look your best, ring up and advise the interviewer beforehand. As a general rule, take extra care with your appearance. For trade and technician roles, a crisp, clean shirt/collared top with either trousers or pants (or skirt for female candidates) and closed toe shoes is appropriate. Avoid visual distractions such as loud ties, sheer fabrics, heavy jewellery and unwashed hair or hair that flops in your eyes or needs to be constantly pushed back. Women should avoid too much cleavage or leg – you want people listening to what you are saying! Also, both women and men should go light on the fragrance and aftershave. And don’t have a cigarette just before going to an interview or that will be your fragrance! Lastly, wear clothes that are comfortable so you are concentrating on what is being asked of you.

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“conditions were extremely harsh” or “the boss was very supportive”). Anticipate a question on weaknesses. Nobody is perfect, so understand your areas for development. Talk about something you have found difficult but are taking steps to overcome - awareness and willingness to change are a good combination. Know the dates of your qualifications. Many people falsify their qualifications, and not knowing doesn’t sound very convincing. Know your salary expectations. You will be asked for this information and you need to know your own worth. Outline your current package and your future expectations. It is often unusual for employers to ‘give away’ the salary package, which means it can be difficult for you to then know where to pitch your expectations. The Guide on ‘blue collar’ job types and salaries will assist you here. Come prepared with referee names and contact details – also ensure that you have briefed your referees ahead of time and that they are prepared. Be very clear about what your referee will say about you. Ask questions – most interviewers will ask if you have any questions. This is the time to clarify process, benefits, timeframes, terms and conditions on offer etc. However, DO NOT ask “what is it that the Company can do for me?” Instead, you can more positively seek information by providing context, eg “I’m really interested in developing my skills further. I’m interested to know what kind of training and development programs the company offers”.

• Take a copy of your resume with you. The interviewer should have one, but it is better to be prepared and provide you with extra confidence in being able to refer to the detail. • Take an original and copy of your relevant qualifications. Most employers will want to cite the originals and then to keep a copy. • It will help your cause if you research the organisation and have a reasonable understanding of who they are and what they do. • Act positively and appear interested, no matter how good your credentials. A nonchalant approach may be your way of exuding confidence, but it can come across like disinterest or worse still, arrogance. • Make eye contact with the interviewer - it suggests confidence and honesty. • Smile! Engaging comfortably with your interviewers will build rapport. Most interviewers will work hard to help you relax – as they realise that it is the best way of learning about you and bringing the best out in you. • Have a reason for your interest in the position. Even if you are unemployed and it’s obvious you need a job, you need to articulate what attracts you to this job. • Prepare well - you will need to offer specific examples. You will need a Situation or Task, the Action you took and the Result or outcome (often referred to as the STAR principle). See below on specific instruction and tips on this. • Understand what gives you job satisfaction and what doesn’t. And don’t simply say “I’ve always been happy in all my jobs” - think of something (eg

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DON’T: • Be late. Punctuality is important and being late, regardless of the excuse, will not help. Be clear about where you need to be and if necessary, do a practice run the day before to check how long it can take. • Try to hide a redundancy. It doesn’t carry a stigma these days, but try to put it into perspective, eg “I was retrenched as part of a major restructure within the business”. • Just say “I’m seeking a new challenge” when asked what you want in your next role. Be specific - is it managing people, an operations focus, travel, autonomy? • Give generic answers when asked for an example. Rather than saying, “Oh, that happens all the time and what I usually do is...”, try “Last week, my supervisor wanted me to ...”. • Waffle! If you stick to the STAR principle and prepare your answers ahead of time, you will know when to stop. There is nothing more irritating to an interviewer than when a candidate does not know when to stop or cannot be succinct in their answers. Interview Questions: You may or may not be familiar with the term ‘behavioural interviewing’. It essentially means that interview questions will require you to provide specific examples. Interviewers are seeking real and recent examples of where and how you have demonstrated a particular skill or competency. Behavioural interviews

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are based on the theory that the best predictor of your future performance is your past performance. Questions will typically be structured to seek information relating to: • The Situation at the time, or Task you were given; • The specific Action you took in that situation or for that task; and • The Result or outcome of your actions. This is often referred to as ‘STAR’ questions and answers. As a guide, you can expect questions relating to: • • • •

Safety Team orientation Your technical skills and knowledge Initiative

Think about recent experiences you have had that may demonstrate your capability in each of these areas. Make notes on each as follows (an example): Safety • What was the Situation or Task (ie where were you, what was happening or what were you tasked to do?) • I was walking through the Plant on my way to a breakdown when I passed a new team member about to commence working on a piece of equipment and he was not wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment for the job he was about to start.

Note that the above example can also demonstrate your initiative and team orientation. It is strongly recommended that you identify the top four or five specific criteria that the employer is seeking and to draft examples for each of these. This then means that no matter how the question is phrased, you will have a simple menu of five or so examples to draw from. Think back over your career and select examples that are as recent as possible but also have impact. Most interviewers will also ask for an overview of your career. This allows them to better understand how and why your career has taken the path that it has and to identify any roles that you particularly enjoyed or did not enjoy.

that you gain confidence and can then be aware of any particular habit you have when nervous, eg tapping your leg, avoiding eye contact. You need to practice answers that are succinct and articulate – where you still provide enough detail but without waffling. Providing an overview of your career is one area where people can take too long. You need to provide a brief overview of each role, the types of projects or responsibilities you had and why you moved on to the next role. This is the time to highlight some key achievements – particularly any that align with the requirements of the role you have applied to. As a guide, your career overview should take no more than 5-6 minutes. If you stick with the STAR method, you will provide concrete examples, rather than generalisations that won’t demonstrate your skills. It also ensures that you won’t waffle – there is nothing worse than a candidate who does not know when to end the answer. If you identify five or six specific examples under each area (eg safety, initiative, team work etc), it then almost does not matter what the question is that is asked – your answer will suit! This means you’ll then feel more relaxed during the interview and less nervous about thinking of an answer on the spot. Obviously, your answers need to be true because they will likely be checked with your referees.

• What specific Actions did you take? • I approached him to point out that he needed to wear the correct PPE and explained what this was. I then went with him to obtain the relevant gear from the workshop. I also radioed my supervisor to tell him I was going to be delayed on getting to the breakdown. • What was the Result? • I followed him back to the job to ensure he had everything he then needed. I was delayed for my own breakdown, but we have a requirement for safety first so my supervisor completely understood and was supportive.

Next, practice, practice, practice! It may sound strange, but actually practicing your responses in front of the mirror or to someone else is a great way of ensuring

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Further questions to help you practice: Most often interviews will open with a question/ request like: • Give us a broad overview of your career to date, including qualifications, or • Outline key achievements over the course of your career, or • Based on what you know about the role, tell us how your skills and experience align with our requirements. Questions relating to Safety • How do you ensure your own personal safety at work? When was the last time these methods worked well for you? Why? • How have you familiarised yourself with the safety policies and procedures relevant to your position? • Tell us about a dangerous task you had to perform. (How did you make sure you or someone else wasn’t injured?) • Tell us about a time when you observed someone not following correct safety procedure. What did you do? Technical/Job Related • What was the most difficult task you had to learn on your job at __________? How did you learn it? • Tell us about a complex aspect of your current job. How long did it take you to learn it?

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• Tell us about a typical day. What do you work on and who do you interact with? • In what areas do you consider yourself to be quite the expert or at least very skilled or knowledgeable in? Team • What is it that you contribute to a team over and above your technical skills? • Tell us about your role in the most successful team you have been associated with. What made it a successful team? • Tell us about a time you worked with someone who wasn’t as cooperative as you needed him or her to be. What did you do? • If we were to ask others from your current workplace what words they would use to describe you, what do you think they would say? • Tell us about a time when you went out of your way to help a team member. Initiative • Describe some of the ways you changed or improved the way your department operates or the way you do your job. What prompted you to make these changes? • Are there any projects or improvements you have initiated? Give us an example. What prompted you to begin that project or improvement? • Have you suggested any new ideas to your manager/supervisor/team leader recently? Give us an example. What happened to the idea?

Performance Under Pressure • Tell us about a time when you were unable to meet a very demanding deadline. What happened? • We all have times when the pressure at work is extremely high. Describe a time like this in your past work experience. (How did you react?) • Have you ever been in a new or unfamiliar work situation for which there was little time to prepare? (Give us an example. How did you react?) • Describe a time when you were experiencing conflicting work demands. (What were those conflicting demands? How did you respond?) • Has there been a time when a colleague or manager requested something of you and you had to say no. Why? How did you approach this?

THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL The following information has been provided by Dr Chris Kelly of JobFit, a pre-employment medical provider to major industry employers. A pre-employment medical examination is an integral component of the recruitment process in the resource sector. So....what is involved? Why do companies do Pre-employment Medicals?

Good employers these days take their responsibility for duty of care very seriously. This requires understanding what risks their prospective employees might have and managing these risks in the workplace with the aim of avoiding illness or injury to the applicant or to other existing employees. There are also statutory (in other words, legal) requirements such as making sure drivers meet the National Standards for Commercial and Heavy Vehicle Driving. There are numerous medical standards that must be met – Shotfirer’s Medical, Mine Health Surveillance Medical, Rail Safety Critical Workers Medical and Coal Mine Workers Medical to name just a few. Aren’t they just trying to weed out anyone with a past work injury? It is not uncommon for a candidate to be concerned that he or she “won’t get through” the medical because of previous injury. Inside Guide All right reserved 2014

• Have you taken any steps to make your job easier/ more efficient/more productive? Give us an example.

Employers cannot and do not exclude people because of this. Lots of people have sprains and strains at work in a physical role. What a medical practitioner aims to establish is that there was an appropriate rehabilitation from the injury without excessive unexplained treatment or time off work. What happens at a pre-employment medical?

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The assessment will usually involve a number of aspects. Exactly what is done depends on the job and the company you are applying for. As a minimum, you will need to fill out a questionnaire and undergo an examination. Some other points you need to be aware of: • The questionnaire will cover your health history, your work history and your lifestyle habits. • The examination will be comprehensive – from your blood pressure to your vision, heart, tummy, limbs and spine. You will even have your urine checked for sugar and blood. It will require you to strip to your underclothes, so be prepared. • It will usually include a hearing test (so don’t listen to loud music, eg your iPod or your car stereo on the way to the medical as this will have an immediate effect on your hearing). • You may need to do a urine drug screen for illicit drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines etc. Most companies will automatically refuse to employ anyone caught trying to rort the test. Cannabis can stay in your system for days after occasional use. • You may need to do a lung function test so, if you are a smoker, don’t smoke on the way to the medical or while you are waiting. • Increasingly companies are asking for physical

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fitness assessments for jobs that are in remote and hot environments and are physically demanding. This can be done in a number of ways (bike, step test, treadmill) but requires you to have appropriate clothing, eg shorts, t-shirt or crop top with support bra for women, sandshoes etc. • Finally you may need to have a functional capacity assessment – this is an assessment of your lifting and carrying capacity. Again, appropriate clothes are needed. • Some mining jobs also require a chest x-ray by law. Some advice: • Be honest with your answers; it is dangerous for you to place yourself in a position which may do you harm, and which your new employer, may then not be aware of. • Don’t be afraid it is “a trap” designed to stop you getting the job – it is not. • Don’t use illicit drugs. • If you are on medication, declare it! It will get picked up one way or another anyway. • Don’t be ‘aggro’ – it is part of a modern job application these days. • If you are really unfit or overweight, start doing

something about it now – this will be seen as a positive. Pre-Employment Medical Checklist

employment medical, eg breast examination, prostrate examination etc. • Leave enough time – the time required will range from one hour (minimum) to two hours for a more extensive assessment.

• Take your driver’s license or other photo identification to the medical, you WILL need it. • You will be asked to undress to your underwear to allow a thorough examination and to provide a urine specimen. • Therefore take or wear appropriate clothing, eg shorts and t-shirt and a support bra/crop top for women. The doctor or nurse will be examining all joints, the neck, spine, chest and abdomen. Wear appropriate underclothes.

• So that the results of your audiogram (hearing test) will not be affected, avoid exposure to loud noise in the 16 hours prior to the medical – this includes loud music. • If you wear/need spectacles, take them with you. • A spirometry (lung function) test may be required and you may be asked to use a Ventolin puffer as part of the assessment. If you are a smoker, don’t smoke before the medical. • Personal examinations are NOT part of a pre-

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Section 2 – ABOUT JOBS TYPES OF INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS Here are a few definitions and tips which will better explain how the industry works – and where the employment occurs - for those seeking an entry to the industry. Operators The term ‘operator’ is used to identify who the operator of a mine site or oil and gas operation is. This is typically a major industry employer such as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Santos and Woodside. It can also be used to describe a ‘junior’ organisation that is seeking to get a major project off the ground. Typically, the operator directly employs the permanent operational workforce. Operators may also outsource different components of operation, eg the maintenance, camp site management or the operation (resource extraction and production). Operational Contractors Operational Contractors are organisations like HWE Mining, Downer EDI, Macmahon and Thiess often employ workforces for operations. These workforces are usually permanent in nature and attract the same terms and conditions as other permanent employees in the industry. They work on the Operator’s site but

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are employed by the contracting entity. An example of this is the OZMinerals site, Prominent Hill where the production and operational workforce is employed by Thiess. Camp Services Camp Services; is always outsourced and typically managed by organisations such as ESS, Spotless and Morris Corporation. They are charged with managing the contracts for cleaning, catering, site transportation and accommodation services. All employment is directly with these organisations. We recommend you watch for organisations like Greyhound too, who have many mine site transportation contracts and are often seeking drivers. Maintenance Maintenance may be outsourced to organisations like Transfield Services, Thiess, United Resources, WDS and Monadelphous. These arrangements may be a combination of permanent and contract work. As a tradesperson, undertaking shutdown assignments with different organisations can be a highly effective way of getting a start in the industry. Construction Employers What is most commonly misunderstood is that the majority of the job opportunities (and where the new jobs will be created) is in resource construction. Construction; Operators will undertake a pre-feasibility

Construction Contractors; the employment opportunities are then with those who are awarded specific work packages. These may range from the construction of camp accommodation, to painting and steel fixing to construction of roadways. Companies like Monadelphous, Thiess, United Construction, Brunel, Decmil and John Holland Group are often awarded significant work packages on project construction, generating thousands of job opportunities. EPCM; this refers to the Engineering, Procurement and Contract Management component of a project. There is typically an EPCM contractor appointed who quite often manages a number of sub-contracts awarded to other providers, in order to deliver the overall contract requirements. For example, Bechtel is the EPCM contractor for a number of the Gladstone LNG projects. Bechtel often implements a model where they hire the entire contract workforce on behalf of the sub-contractor companies they subsequently engage.

Offshore construction; the majority of the work goes to Brunel for manning offshore pipeline construction. Whilst the barge and equipment may be owned by another operator, typically the manning does happen through Brunel. Other organisations to watch are OMSA and Mermaid Marine. Recruitment Agencies Recruitment agencies may be engaged by operators, or construction or operational contractors to source candidates for all disciplines and levels across the industry. It is important to understand that recruitment agencies are nearly always advised to hire candidates with direct industry experience. This is for two reasons. Firstly, their client will have advised them to hire experienced and secondly, if an operator wants to offer entry level opportunities, they will more often do this through their own recruitment process. That being said, if you are trade or professionally qualified or have general experience that aligns with the job requirements, you should apply. In many cases, recruitment agencies are preferred suppliers to specific organisations for both temporary (contract) and permanent staff hire. It’s important to keep watch around which agencies recruit for which organisations to ensure you don’t miss an opportunity.

assessment of a resource find, and will move through to a Final Investment Decision if feasibility is established. This process can take years. Even before a project is given the green light, however, different elements of the project construction is ‘packaged’ and released to industry providers to tender on. This process ramps up once the green light is given and literally hundreds of work packages are released for tender. Packages can be anything from the supply of specific components or equipment to major civil and technical works. Work packages are released on websites like Project Connect (http://www.projectconnect.com.au/).

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TYPES OF JOBS AND SALARIES

a higher rate because the rosters are not even time and the work may be of a temporary nature; this then attracts a higher premium rate.

Besides University qualified engineering and support functional roles, the industry predominantly employs trades and ‘blue collar’ labour. Roles are a combination of Operator, Technician, Trades and Support.

For a comprehensive list of job types across Australia in all industries, we recommend the Australian Government’s Job Outlook Information website (http://joboutlook.gov.au/pages/alpha.aspx) which features comprehensive information including:

The industry consistently seeks: • Qualified trades • Apprentices • Experienced and Entry Level Operators and Technicians • Support roles, such as administration assistants, storepersons, chefs and cleaners. The following chapters in The Inside Guide offer an alphabetical guide of the types of positions in the resources sector: • • • • •

Roles – Camp Support Roles – Trade Roles – Operational Support Roles – Oil and Gas Roles – Technician

All positions require a commitment to safe and efficient work practices – the most important criteria that some organisations will screen candidates on. Salary ranges for most roles can be found in the Hays Salary Guide 2012. Note that contractors may be paid

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• • • •

Job type Industry Average annual wages The size of the occupational workforce and likely job prospects • Required skills • Links to training providers • Links to vacancies

CAMP AND OFFSHORE LIFE VS RESIDENTIAL MINING Residential Many mines in remote areas have a traditional company town, or support towns that used to be company towns. Such locations include Leinster and Newman in Western Australia and Mount Isa in Queensland.

These operations most often require new employees to produce a Police Clearance in order to work and reside there – with the view being that they need to ensure a safe environment, free of criminal activity. Most company towns have basic facilities, including shopping, dining, schooling, child care and recreational amenities, such as golf courses, sporting ovals, gyms and cinemas. Other operations are based closer to or within larger regional centres such as Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland (in Western Australia), Townsville (in Queensland) or the Hunter Valley (in New South Wales). These centres obviously feature significant facilities and infrastructure. Mine sites that are based either in or very near a large town or city may require employees to live in the town/city for the entire contract of their employment. In this instance, the company may offer to cover your relocation costs as an incentive and/or offer housing allowance whilst residing in the region. This would be in addition to your salary. If the job posting quotes “local hire conditions” or “local hire only”, this means that the company will not pay to relocate you, so be sure to ask if this is the case.

Camp/FIFO Most remote area mines are operated on a fly-in-flyout (commonly referred to as FIFO) basis, where the employee’s home and family remains in a major city, and the employee flies out to the mine for a period of solid work, then flies home for a period of rest. This FIFO roster can vary from site to site. Three weeks on / one week off rosters are not uncommon and the working away period can be for much longer than two or three weeks. However, more and more mining companies are optimising retention of current employees and attraction of new employees by increased benefits and lifestyle choices. FIFO rosters are consequently shortening with nine days on / five days off or eight days on / six days off rosters becoming more the norm. Free flights, meals and accommodation are provided for employees working on a FIFO roster as a means to offset the time spent living away from home. Living quarters provided at camp sites range from two by four metre portable homes to permanent six by eight metre rooms with ensuites. Fridges, single beds, television, electricity and water are also provided with rooms. Rooms are serviced daily with sheets and towels regularly changed.

Such locations can often be termed ‘closed towns’ and not then typically open to the general public moving there unless directly associated with the operation or support infrastructure.

Permanent employees normally have their own designated room where they can leave their personal items. In other words, no other employee uses or access the room whilst the permanent employee is off roster. Contractors, however, have temporary room assignment where they may not actually have the same room each swing. Other contractors will also

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be assigned the room, once you are off roster for that period, so personal items cannot be left. Contractor or temporary rooms are also not as well equipped, ie often do not have a television or phone. Permanent employees can be relatively easily contacted by family and friends on site, depending on where they work (ie if underground, this may not be the case). Similarly, most rooms for permanent employees are provided with a phone for local calls and mobile phones will work at site.

Rooms are typically well equipped, particularly for permanent employees

Typical Donga Accommodation

Camp Grounds

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Most camp sites feature: • Dining facilities – large dining and kitchen facilities cater for hundreds of employees for three meals, and snacks per day. Meals are typically buffet style with an extensive array of hot and cold dishes. Some mine sites also indicate the health rating and fat/calorie content of food to promote healthy eating. The dining room will also typically have a large area for individual food preparation for employees to prepare their ‘crib’ – essentially the meal or meals they need to personally pack to take to the workplace with them.

Dining Rooms can cater for hundreds of employees for three meals per day

Most camp sites provide indoor and outdoor areas for eating and socialising

Minesite Bar facilities

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• Bar facilities – this will differ across mine sites and will be dependant on whether the company opts for a “dry” (ie alcohol free) site. Bar facilities typically resemble a local ‘pub’ with billiard tables and sports telecasts, and a combination of inside and outside areas. You need to be mindful that random drug and alcohol screening occurs across the industry, so responsible drinking is paramount. • Sporting and Exercise facilities – most camp sites have a gym (with registered gym instructors and personal trainers), which provide for personal exercise or for attending structured classes. Other amenities may include swimming pools and sporting grounds to promote team sports after hours.

• Shopping – limited shopping facilities to purchase personal supplies, eg toothpaste, magazines, newspapers, soft drinks etc. Some site shops also hire out televisions and DVD players and movies for those rooms designated for temporary accommodation, eg for contractors. • Cinema – small cinemas that show recent release movies. When working FIFO and living on a camp site, the working day is typically 12 hours. As such, you are expected to be ready to board the transportation from camp to mine site, eg by 6am. This makes for a long day as travel time and meals either side are not included in the ‘work time’ hours, ie prior to the 6am start, you will have breakfast and need to pack your ‘crib’ to take with you to site.

OIL AND GAS

Most camp sites provide a range of sporting and exercise facilities

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Oil and gas operations are either on shore or off. For on shore operations, employees either live locally where the production or processing facility is based or as a FIFO arrangement. As such, you can expect the same arrangements as those in mining (see above). Major on shore oil and gas processing facilities are based in Moomba (north of South Australia), outskirts of Melbourne (Longford) and the north west coast of Western Australia (near Karratha, Dongara and Port Hedland).

• Drill rigs used for exploration (eg Atwood Eagle operated by Atwood Oceanics). • Pipe laying barges used for construction and specifically laying the pipe on the seabed which transports oil and gas from an FPSO to shore for further processing or refining (eg Semac1 operated by Saipem). • Floating Production Storage Offtake (FPSO) facilities (ie Griffin Venture by BHP Billiton). An FPSO is an oil tanker that has been specifically built or converted to process oil and gas. Gas and oil comes from the seabed to the FPSO which will either re-inject it back into the seabed to create more pressure to keep the oil or gas flowing or will be directly piped to shore. • Fixed Production Platform receives oil and gas from the seabed, separates and processes it, and either sends it to a processing facility on shore or directly to an oil tanker which transports directly to a customer (ie Rankin and Goodwin A operated by Woodside).

without a great deal of time to yourself. Sometimes two or four employees share a room (with bunk beds and ensuite) at a time. For two sharing a room, you do have the room to yourself in that your room mate is working the opposite shift, however if you are sharing with four, it does mean that you will be in the room with one other person at the same time, so privacy is rare. It also means that you are sharing a small space with a person whether you like them or not!

Television and Recreation Room on off shore vessel

Off shore vessels include:

Living off shore You fly to an off shore vessel by helicopter. To do so, you must have a current HUET ticket and Marine Identification Security Card. Please refer to the ‘Getting Started’ section for further details of training providers. Working off shore is different to a mine camp site in that you are working, eating and sleeping in a confined space

typical offshore single room

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Most rooms have a small desk and chair, television and DVD player. There will be a television room on the vessel with large screen television and range of movies, but remember the majority elects what to watch. Rooms are serviced daily on the main and for permanent employees, you may have a phone in your room.

Employees can take only 10kgs of personal items in a soft bag to the vessel. Work clothing is left on the vessel, so you need only to take toiletries and change of clothes for after work hours. If you are contracting, however, you may also need to take your own work clothes including boots. Some vessels supply overalls but some don’t, so ensure that you are clear about what it is you need to supply and what it is that the employer supplies. All other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided.

On an off shore vessel, there is no smoking and no alcohol. The vessel will have dining facilities and onboard chefs who cater for three main meals per day and snacks. Like mining, a selection of hot and cold dishes in buffet style is served.

Offshore Gym

Offshore Galley kitchen

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For permanent employees, platforms will generally allow unlimited phone calls, but it is also typical for employees to get given a phone card which allows for a number of calls per week. Be mindful that there are often only one or two ‘public’ phones on the vessel, which means your time is limited; other colleagues will wish to also use the phone and before or end of shift are peak times. You need to be aware that you cannot be easily contacted by family or friends and that you

will also have limited access to do so. Mobile phones are not always allowed, or work, on an off shore vessel. Most vessels have unlimited internet access after hours, but again on a limited number of PCs which requires workers to be mindful of others also wishing to use the facility.

• Will often taken on people from the armed and police forces as they are seen to have discipline, are accustomed to authority, have a preference for safe work practices and are willing to start at entry level and move up.

In summary, you need to remember you are working with a diverse range of people with different views and backgrounds to your own in a very confined space. You need to be extremely team orientated and tolerant of others to work in this environment. Working off shore is the most lucrative of all resource sector jobs but too many people overlook what can be a difficult working environment for some who are unable to cope with living so closely with people 24:7.

Process Operator/Technician roles (where you operate some element of the process plant)

What experience and skills are best suited to entrylevel roles?

Offshore

Some companies – large and small - will take on employees in entry-level roles, often referred to as “greenies”. The following background experience is often ideal for:

• Having a trade is the single most effective way of gaining employment in the lucrative offshore industry. However, also having tickets for Crane, Rigging, Dogging and Scaffolding will be highly beneficial, particularly for offshore construction.

Mining Technician roles (where you operate large heavy mobile equipment) • Any exposure to or experience working with heavy machinery in a factory or construction environment. • Farming background – often indicates mechanical aptitude.

• Ideally have worked on a process line, such as dairy, chemical processing, Australia Post or worked with heavy machinery. • Those who have been farmers and crop sprayers are often successful.

Typically, the best way is to gain employment with any one of the many contracting partners who provide employees to the operations of major resource companies. This includes Mining Camp and Off Shore support roles, like cleaners, cooks and security.

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What qualifications are best suited to entry-level roles? Any one of the following tickets and/or licenses will make you more attractive to an employer: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Forklift License Dogging/Rigging (basic, intermediate, advanced) Scaffolding (basic, intermediate, advanced) Crane License Heavy Rigid (HR) Vehicle (truck) License First Aid Certificate HUET (for off shore work) Working in Confined Spaces Elevated Work Platform Excavator License Bulldozer License Bogger License Grader License Skid Steer Loader License

What equipment is typically used in the resources sector?

Atlas Boltec AD 40 Elphinstone Truck 50D Toro Truck Getman Charge Up R1500 Elphinstone Loader F1700G Elphinstone Loader R2900G Elphinstone Loader 120H Cat Grader Integrated Tool Carrier (IT) Forklift 1.5 tonne Diggers Explosives Drilling equipment Bobcat Conveyors Crushers Pumping systems Power generation, turbines and diesel engines for generators • Pressure vessels and valve systems • Water making facilities • Leaching vessels

Following is a list of the most common mining equipment or systems used on mine sites:

Following is a list of equipment most commonly used offshore:

• • • • • •

• High pressure vessels, eg separators which separates oil or gas from water • Pumping systems • Water making facilities • Sewerage systems • Power generation, eg turbines and diesel engines

Solomatic Cablebolter Axera D07 Jumbo Axera D06 Jumbo Axera Superdrill Solomatic LH Drillrig DataSolo LH Drillrig

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

What are the current most sort after roles/skills in the industry? • Maintenance Planners (a trade background is necessary) • Electrical/Instrumentation Technicians (trade qualification) • Fitter and Turners with hydraulic and pneumatic experience and skills • Heavy Duty Fitters • Electricians • Construction Miners • Underground Mobile Equipment Technicians (driving large scale equipment, eg trucks, boggers) • Carpenters (for construction work) • Steelfixers (for construction work) • Engineers – all disciplines • Process Operators and Technicians • Geologists and Geophysicits

How do I get experience? • Look for companies operating in your local area. Many companies recruit their entry-level positions from the local community to provide long-term career opportunities and to develop a strong locally based workforce. Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland, Townsville, Mount Isa and Newcastle are key areas. • Be as flexible as possible – put yourself in the best position to accept contracting work, including shutdowns in remote locations and for work you may not necessarily prefer. Many tradespeople from other industries for example start out by doing Trade Assistant (TA) work or regular shutdowns. This provides you with an opportunity to see and be seen. • Think about other ‘like-type’ environments where you could build relevant experience. For example, manufacturing, construction and industrial experience is highly attractive to the resources sector. Recently, West Australia’s newspaper, The Weekend West featured sound advice - collected from senior HR representatives from companies like Rio Tinto and Calibre Global - on landing a job in the Australian mining industry:

• Electronic equipment, eg PLC controls and central control rooms, radar and navigation, radio equipment • Fast rescue craft and work boats • Cranes • Scaffolding and rigging equipment • Hydraulic equipment • Compressors, eg air and gas export and re-injection • Satellite television systems

• For unskilled and semiskilled jobs (certificate 3 and below), work experience is often favoured over tickets and other course qualifications.

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• If you don’t have previous mine experience, sell transferable skills to show commitment to safety and ability to maintain focus over long shifts, work as a team and handle the heat. • Highlight any experience working with heavy machinery, even if it’s driving a forklift at a supermarket. • Put your (previous) direct supervisor who worked alongside you as your referee because only he/she has the knowledge the recruiter needs. • Focus applications on subcontractors for mine sites under construction, and on the head mining contractor for mines in the operational phase. (For a list of contractors working on major projects, click here: http://www.theresourcechannel.com.au/ page/2012-projects-update). • If applying through a subcontractor, having someone on the inside put in a good word for you can help. • Don’t leave blanks in your application, especially in your work history, and register for job alerts on company websites. • Show you understand and can handle the FIFO lifestyle and site conditions so you don’t appear an early flight risk. • Take the first job you are offered, because other opportunities will open up once you are in. A final word of advice If you are serious about getting a foot in the door and have no experience, we recommend the following approach:

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1. Decide the specific location and stick with that to start. If you can, be smart about the location and choose one that is not typically preferred. Live as close to the location as possible. 2. Decide the exact entry level position and stick with that to start. 3. Obtain the training or tickets you require to do the role you have selected. 4. Think about the requirements of the role and location you’ve selected and seek other like-type jobs local to you that demonstrate those requirements, eg shift work, hard labour, 12 hour shifts, remote location etc. 5. Consider four or so weeks in the location you have selected – do your homework ahead of time and know who you want to see. Most people put themselves up in a hostel where they can pay nightly should they score a role working on site during that period. This typically works very well. 6. Target suppliers to the industry – the smaller players who often struggle to find good people – and avoid applying to the majors until you have some experience. Too many people think all they have to do is apply, and the job will appear. For example, if you are an electrician who has mainly done domestic and some industrial work, apply to Compass or ESS who look after the campsites. They are often seeking tradespeople to maintain camp sites and villages. This gets you exactly where you need to be – you are meeting people on site, you are gaining experience, you are building a work portfolio and you are front and centre to be considered for a vacancy with the major employer.

7. As much as people don’t like to hear it, stick with the job giving you that entry level experience for at least eight to twelve months. Nothing looks worse than a ‘job hopper’ – it makes those of us recruiting suspicious about whether or not you will stay for any decent period of time. 8. Always remember to conduct yourself professionally. This is sometimes the most overlooked and yet the most powerful impact on you being selected - or not - as the case may be! Remember that managing your next career move takes a calculated approach and concerted effort – you will never be successful by just applying to hundreds of jobs. One may eventually come off, but you could be waiting a while. It is best to spend your time being far more proactive and putting the control back in your hands. Where people are prepared to do as we’ve outlined above, the opportunities typically come.

Drilling Stream – Undertakes the planning and drilling of wells to find and extract oil and gas. A wide range of skills are required, from semi-skilled field and deck workers, through to skilled Driller positions; Technicians for well logging to professional Drilling Engineers responsible for well design and drilling operations.

OIL AND GAS CAREERS OVERVIEW

Maintenance Stream – Provides the servicing and repair of processing plant and production equipment. This stream predominantly employs skilled tradespersons and technicians supported by specialist reliability engineering staff and planners.

Science Stream – Focuses on searching for petroleum reservoirs and managing oil and gas fields. The principal areas of expertise sought are Geosciences and Geophysics, whilst there is also some demand for environmental and marine sciences.

Operations Stream – Responsible for the processing and quality of petroleum product produced. Jobs range from skilled plant operators and highly-skilled control room operators, to production superintendents and managers.

Career paths in the petroleum industry form around vocation streams aligned with the industry sectors. The major groupings, focus of activities, and the principal skill areas are:

Engineering Steam – Involved in the designing, building and optimising of production facilities and equipment. This stream covers a broad range of chemical, mechanical, and electrical disciplines as well as specialised Petroleum Engineers and Technicians.

Business Stream – Delivers administrative support and management services to the operation. Typically business stream services cover finance and accounting, purchasing and supply, information technology, and human resource management and safety.

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Qualification levels in the Australian petroleum industry can be categorised into three principal groups:

Examples of petroleum industry jobs aligned with these qualification levels include: JOB EXAMPLES – by Vocational Stream and Qualification Level

Science Drilling

Prevocational Characteristics – The personal attributes and abilities preferred by petroleum industry employers. These include numeracy, literacy, teamwork, and good communication skills. Employment Prerequisites – The basic knowledge all employees must have to maintain a safe workplace and minimise environmental impacts. These cover Occupational Health and Safety standards, Environmental Management procedures and responses, and Induction Training to become familiar with the processes, plant and equipment. Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) – The petroleum industry has adopted this nationally recognised framework for vocational classifications, competency levels, and training standards. These AQF levels generally align with similar employment categories across all the vocational streams as follows: AQF Level

Employment Category

Statement of Attainment

Semi-Skilled

Certificate Level

Skilled

Diploma Level

Technician

Degree Level

Professional

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Enginee- Operaring tions

SemiSkilled

Job Hustler

Roustabout

Skilled

Laboratory Worker

Driller

Boilermaker / Welder

Control Room Operator

Technician

Geoscience Technician

Toolpusher

Electronics Technician

Professional

Geologist

Drilling Chemical Engineer Engineer

Production Scheduler Produc-

Field Trade Assistant Operator

Maintenance

Business

Storeperson

Accounts Clerk

MechaOH&S nical Officer Fitter MainteTraining nance Officer Planner

Maintenance tion Engineer Engineer

PR Advisor

Types of Training Listed below are the broad types of training that employees will need to undertake to keep their skills updated and relevant during the course of their career. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT (HS & E) Regulatory requirements and duty of care dictate that employees need to have an awareness of how to operate a safe workplace whilst minimising the impact upon the environment. HS&E training is mandatory for all employees working in the petroleum industry – even those restricted to office duties. This training is usually provided on entrance to the industry and will need to be refreshed and/or updated throughout a career.

Every workplace has its differences, and to enable new employees to the workplace to become aware of expectations, induction training is essential. Induction training will be provided upon joining the organisation and may also be provided again if a career change requires relocation to a different site. Induction training usually covers administrative tasks, procedures and duties (required of all personnel), a tour of the site, safety awareness discussions, and emergency response procedures. This training assures that a new employee can work safely and productively from the outset. VOCATIONAL To become recognised as semi-skilled, skilled or a technician in a given field, then the necessary vocational training or skills recognition (RPL or RCC) will need to be undertaken. Vocational education and training qualifications are based upon nationally endorsed competency standards where they exist, or on competency standards developed by relevant industry, enterprise, community or professional groups. Vocational training can be undertaken via the following means: • Off-the-Job through a TAFE college, business college or other Recognised Training Organisations (RTO), or • On-the-Job where skills are acquired via training from experienced supervisors and work-place

trainers; • Vocational training can also be pursued via new apprenticeship schemes where training is delivered via one or both of the above means. PROFESSIONAL To become qualified as a professional engineer, geologist or geoscientist, graduation from university is required. These courses are normally three to four years full-time study to obtain diploma or bachelor level qualifications. Post-graduate studies to obtain master and doctorate levels require a further two to four years (approximately) respectively. If you are already employed within the industry, and interested in obtaining a qualification that is relevant to your position and further career in the industry, then your employer may provide monetary assistance, such as study leave and exam leave. MANAGERIAL As your career progresses, you may find yourself having to manage staff and resources. Supervision and management of staff and resources requires knowledge and skills different to those technical skills learnt from any of the previous forms of training. This training is often referred to as the Front Line Management program or Qualification in Business (Frontline Management).

INDUCTION

Frontline Management courses for supervisors and

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middle level managers can be conducted through Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s). These courses can be completed at Level III, IV and Diploma and include training in areas such as managing people, building teams, leadership, managing workplace information etc. Post-graduate management courses at Diploma, Associate Degree, Degree, Masters, and Doctorate levels can be pursued through universities. AUSTRALIAN QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) provides a comprehensive, nationally consistent yet flexible framework for all qualifications in post compulsory education and training. The framework was introduced Australia-wide in 1995 and connects the schools sector, vocational education and training sector and higher education sector in a coherent single Framework. The AQF incorporates qualification titles and guidelines. The qualifications are shown on page 4, grouped according to the sector in which they are most commonly issued. The guidelines contain the main criteria for defining qualifications based on the general characteristics of education and training at each qualification level. The AQF encourages individuals to progress through education and training by improving access to qualifications, clearly defining avenues for achievement, and generally contributing to lifelong learning.

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Vocational Education and Training Sector In the vocational education and training sector, qualifications are based on nationally endorsed competency standards where they exist or on competency standards developed by relevant industry workplace representatives and professional groups. Training packages specifically developed for the petroleum industry cover the Drilling and Operations vocational streams: Drilling Training Package • AQF Levels 1-3 Oil and Gas Drilling Offshore (Roustabout to Derrickman) • AQF Levels 1-3 Oil and Gas Drilling Onshore (Lease Hand to Derrickman)

• AQF Levels 4-6 Oil and Gas Drilling – Driller to Installation Manager/ Field Superintendent

• AQF Level 4 – Certificate IV in Engineering – Higher Engineering Trade • AQF Level 5 – Diploma of Engineering

Chemical Hydrocarbons and Oil Refining Business Services Training Package • AQF Level 1 – Certificate I in Process Plant Skills • AQF Level 2 – Certificate II in Process Plant Operations • AQF Level 3 – Certificate III in Process Plant Operations • AQF Level 4 – Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology Other qualifications relevant to the Engineering and Maintenance streams in petroleum industry include: Metal and Engineering Training Package

• AQF Level 3 – Certificate III in Business (Frontline Management) • AQF Level 4 – Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management) • AQF Level 5 – Diploma of Business (Frontline Management) HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SECTOR

– – – – – – –

In the higher education sector, objectives, standards and academic requirements of courses are set by universities having regard for requirements set by peer review and the requirements of relevant professional bodies and employer groups.

• AQF Level 1 – Certificate I in Engineering • AQF Level 2 – Certificate II in Engineering Production • AQF Level 2 – Certificate II in Engineering Production Technology • AQF Level 3 – Certificate III in Engineering Production Systems • AQF Level 3 – Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade • AQF Level 3 – Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade • AQF Level 3 – Certificate III in Engineering Electrical / Electronic Trade • AQF Level 3 – Certificate III in Engineering Technician

A subset of the Business Services Training Package is Frontline Management which covers the competencies necessary for supervisors and frontline managers.

Universities usually establish course advisory committees comprising a range of interested parties including practitioners, employers, community representatives and academic staff from other institutions to facilitate ongoing review of content and relevance.

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Training Organisations

COMPETENCY ASSESSORS

VOCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING SECTOR

For the recognition of competency to certain standards (eg specific industry standards) a competency assessor will need to evaluate an individual’s competence against the criteria of the standard.

To deliver vocational education and training services throughout Australia, an organisation must meet the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) requirements. The AQTF is used to register organisations as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver training, assess competency and issue Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications. An RTO may be either: • A private training company, • A public training institution, or • A company operating within the industry large enough to have a training department that possesses RTO status. TIP – Contact the Energy Apprenticeships Group (EAG) EAG was launched in August 2005. This group training initiative is a joint venture between the private sector’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WA), and the State Government’s Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT). Endorsed by APPEA, the aim of the EAG is to deliver a world class group training service developed exclusively for the oil and gas industry. For more details: http://www.cciwa.com/appsaust/ Energy_Apprenticeships_Group.aspx.

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The competency assessors are usually qualified by meeting the Training and Assessment (TAA) Training Package requirements, as detailed in the Australian Quality Training Framework. Their role is to determine whether an applicant meets with the criteria as stipulated in the training package. INDUSTRY TRAINING COUNCILS Most industries have an Industry Training Council that researches training needs, develop competency standards and liaises with Registered Training Organisations and Government Departments to advise on the training needs of the industry they represent. Two Industry Training Councils are active in the petroleum industry in Australia. • Process Manufacturing Industry Training Council (PMITC) represents the employers and employees involved in the field of moving hydrocarbons from the drilling site to the end product ready for use. The PMITC is also responsible for the promotion and implementation of the training package that governs the Petroleum Industry Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Oil Refining (PMA02). Details here: http://members.iinet.net.au/~wapmitc/ Index1.htm.

• Australian Drilling Industry Training Committee (ADITC) represents the employers and employees who operate drilling equipment. Details here: http://www.aditc.com.au/aditc-profile.

OIL AND GAS ROLES

HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

1. Exploration, ie drilling (on or off shore) 2. Construction, ie pipe laying, subsea construction, surface construction (on or offshore) 3. Production (on and off shore)

The petroleum industry employs a significant number of Professionals in the science and engineering disciplines and to a lesser extent in the information technology, accounting, marketing and public relation professions. Universities deliver these qualifications. There are even specialist centres of higher education that are sponsored by the petroleum industry and award specialist degrees. Examples include the University of Western Australia School of Oil and Gas Engineering, which is sponsored by Woodside Energy and the Adelaide School of Oil & Gas Engineering, which is sponsored by Santos. Societies / Institutes Professionals may also pursue further education through their profession’s representative body; examples include: • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) • Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia (PESA) • Institute of Engineers Australia (IEAust)

Jobs are either on or off shore. Obtaining work off shore – which is by far the most lucrative of all resource sector employment – often requires a trade qualification. All positions require candidates to have completed a First Aid Certificate and for all offshore roles, employees must have a current HUET ticket. More than any other aspect of the industry however, contracting companies often employ on the basis of referral and word of mouth. Rates of pay quoted here are the minimum hourly rate. Offshore workers in particular, typically attract a range of additional allowances and for fixed term work, a redundancy payment at the end of the job.

Universities

There are three key areas of the oil and gas (or hydrocarbons) industry:

OFFSHORE BALLAST CONTROL OPERATORS Ballast Control Operators maintain the balance and stability of the rig so that drilling and production can occur safely. Other responsibilities may include:

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• Perform daily Deck Load Survey; • Perform daily ocean motions stability calculations and make necessary adjustments to the ballast where required; • Function ballast board valves and check pump rooms; • Log changes and actions daily; • Ensure accurate and current records of emergency equipment and personnel; • Act as Command Center for emergencies; • Record weather, anchor tensions and vessel movements; • Record ROV off and on rig deck; • Record and monitor vessels on close standby; • Record and report on waste removed from the rig (food, oil) and additional loads taken on (fuel, oil, consumables); • Pump fuel to the engine room; • Test bilge alarms; • Perform pump room maintenance; • Ensure Fire Team radios, battery operated tools, Portable Gas Detector Units and spare batteries are kept charged; • Grease and operate all manual ballast pump room valves and manual valves for winch cooling; • Grease and operate all manual take-on station and isolation valves around rig; • Do a Rig Move Stability proposal before each rig move; • Provide permission for supply vessels to come alongside the rig in line with current or future rig operations, ROV in water port side etc); • Obtain copy of all vessel manifests to and from rig;

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Typically required • Completion of Ballast Control Course and Radio Operator’s Course. • Experience in a marine environment, eg Coastguard, Navy, fishing industry CRANE DRIVER Crane Drivers operate cranes on vessel decks to assist Riggers and Scaffolders to move equipment for installation, repair and/or maintenance. Other responsibilities may include: • Perform major equipment lifts for construction; • Lift drill rods and equipment on deck for exploration activities; • Operate Pedestal Crane to hoist and move large items on deck or site; • Install platforms or construction equipment for construction sites; • Lift supplies and stores from supply vessels. Typically required: • Open Crane Drivers License. • Tower Crane (CT) Ticket. • On shore experience doing heavy lifts before operating a crane off shore; operating a crane during high swell and moving seas requires high level competence in crane driving.

DIVER

DRILLER

There is, at this time, a worldwide shortage of experienced divers for employment in the offshore sector. However, employment opportunities in this area are extremely limited for the new trained and qualified Part 3 diver. Be aware that there are certain elements, especially within the training industry that give prospective students the impression that gaining employment upon completion of a Part 3 course is highly likely and this is simply not accurate.

Drillers move, set up and operate drilling rigs and related equipment to drill holes for exploration. Other responsibilities may include:

• • • •

Perform underwater welding and cutting; Bolt up flanges and hydraulic equipment; Find and check flanges for leaks; Hook up cranes to below sea level.

Some tasks require the Diver to operate at such deep levels that they may be required to spend long periods in a decompression chamber under or above water. This is considered a dangerous job.

Typically required • Must be 18 years of age and have worked in a drilling environment in a remote area or offshore, for example driller’s offsider. • Ability to record details accurately, as precision is crucial to the safety of the exploration. • Mine charging experience. • Mechanical aptitude. • Understanding of, or exposure to drilling processes and rigs.

A small percentage of newly qualified divers do gain employment but usually they already have good diving support skills, ie trade qualifications such as Fitting and Turning, Boilermaking or Welding. For other graduates, to stand a reasonable chance of gaining employment in the offshore sector a newly trained diver needs to gain on-the-job experience by working offshore for a minimum period of two or three years. Divers can be called on to do a wide variety of tasks, including:

• Move rigs onto site and set them up; • Position drills and set angles and depths; • Start and stop drills and coordinate utility workers on site; • Check equipment and progress throughout operation; • Operate secondary equipment, such as pumps (air and mud) and equipment used to prevent and correct problems; • Record performance details and take drill core samples; • Carry out minor maintenance and repairs; • Dismantle and move rig to next location.

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ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN Electricians install, repair, upgrade and maintain electrical systems. They work on a range of equipment, including turbines, diesel engines, power generation, sewerage systems, water pumping systems, water makers, satellite television, ROV electrical systems, chain loading systems, winches, and hub drive systems and they are responsible for establishing and ensuring ongoing supplies of power from generators. Other responsibilities may include: • Onshore repair, maintenance and testing of a wide range of diving equipment, hyperbaric welding equipment, laying equipment, piling equipment, cold cutting equipment, remote tie-in equipment and miscellaneous operational equipment; • Pre-mobilisation preparation and assembly of diving systems, hyperbaric welding systems, lay systems, piling systems and remote tie-in systems; • Construct and test control panels required for newbuild systems; • Offshore mobilisation and demobilisation, maintenance and repair of all equipment and systems detailed above; • Work on low and high voltage DC systems; • Repair and maintain all electrical equipment and process control; • Maintain lighting, switches and electrical equipment in safe working order; • Install wiring and circuits for extensions and additions to work sites;

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• Carry out electrical fitting, high voltage switching and electronics; • Maintain communications and telecommunications systems; • Connect cables to circuit breakers, transformers, motors, heaters etc; • Test circuits; • Connect systems to power supplies; • Complete electrical calculations; • Test equipment using meters; • Undertake high voltage switching. Typically required: • Electrical Trade Trade. • Current A Grade Electrican License. • Experience with gas turbines, automated control systems, HV switching, compressors, fire and gas systems, power generation and DCS. ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN Electrician/Instrumentation Technicians specialise in the complexities of the electrical workings of specific instrumentation used used in the industry. Other responsibilities may include: • Repair and maintain all electrical equipment and process control; • Provide preventative and corrective maintenance on instrument/electrical equipment such as gas turbines, automated control systems, HV switching,

• • • • • •

Typically required: • Instrumentation Qualifications. • Possession of a High Voltage Switching ticket. • Experience with gas turbines, automated control systems, HV switching, compressors, fire and gas systems, power generation and DCS. • PLC and Instrumentation is required, heavy industrial background is highly recommended. INTEGRATED RATING Integrated Rating refers to a position that encompasses a number of roles on an off shore vessel. Responsibilities may include: • Carry out sea lookout duties when navigating off the riser; • Secure the vessel for sea when preparing to let go

• • • • • • • • • • •

for cyclone avoidance; Act as Dogman and Crane Driver when material handling; Assist in shuttle tanker operations; Assist in discharging product to the shuttle tanker and acting as a deck watchman and assisting with valve operations; Carry out regular deck maintenance; Act as helicopter landing crew, assisting in all facets of the helicopter operation; Assist in the engine room as required, including general cleaning in the engine room; Assist in emergency response as required; Assist in tank entry operations as required; Assist in the changeout of the offtake hawser and floating hose maintenance; Assist where required in rigging and scaffolding; Assist with hot work operations.

Typically required: • • • • •

Integrated Rating Certificate. Offshore Crane Driver’s License. Scaffolding, Dogging and Rigging Certificates. Experience driving small boats. Experience with Tankers.

• •

compressors, fire and gas systems, power generation and Digital Control Systems (DCS); Ensure safe work practices near electrical outlets; Read wiring diagrams to plan layout of wiring systems; Test circuits; Assemble, calibrate, install and commission precision instruments that measure, indicate, transmit, record and control; Connect systems to power supplies; Complete electrical calculations; Test equipment using meters; Undertake high voltage switching.

MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN Mechanical Technicians are responsible for the modification, upgrade, mobilisation, commissioningin, maintenance and repairs on a wide range of PLC controlled systems and trouble shooting of same.

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Typical systems worked on include ROV mechanical and hydraulic systems, piling, welding, conventional lay spread, tilted lay spread, chain loading systems, winches, hub drive system and cold cutting. Other responsibilities may include: • Onshore repair, maintenance and testing of a wide range of diving equipment, hyperbaric welding equipment, laying equipment, piling equipment, cold cutting equipment, remote tie-in equipment and other operational equipment; • Pre-mobilisation preparation and assembly of diving systems, hyperbaric welding systems, lay systems, piling systems and remote tie in systems; • Construct and test control panels required for newbuild systems; • Offshore mobilisation, maintenance and repair of all equipment and systems detailed above; • Offshore demobilization of all equipment and systems detailed above; • Repair and maintain diesel engines, pumps and hydraulics; • Install, repair, and maintain diesel engines, water markers, hydraulics, turbines, engines and valves. Typically required: • Mechanical Fitting or Mechanic trade; • Experience working on pumps, gas turbines and compression equipment, hydraulics and diesel engines.

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MEDIC/SAFETY OFFICER The Medic/Safety Officer assists in all matters regarding safety and health. Other responsibilities may include: • Manage the medical facilities, update equipment and medicine in accordance with relevant external and internal requirements; • Initiate and perform training of dedicated first aiders to advanced first aid level; • Operate all medical and first aid equipment onboard, and respond to illness/injuries; • Evaluate and, if necessary, initiate improvement of working conditions related to safety and health; • Carry out medical treatment and report according to relevant procedures, and when relevant, make contact with the Duty Doctor; • Assist with the implementation of risk assessments and report identified hazards to relevant personnel; • Ensure correct control, storing and use of chemicals, assess all materials and consumables and give advice and guidance to personnel concerning exposure limits and medical treatment; • Participate in area inspections, safety initiatives and the monitoring of safe working practices; • Assist in vessel emergency drills and training as required; • Perform safety inductions and orientation tours of personnel; • Stop any operation if there is doubt about own or others safety; • Co-ordinate, initiate and collate reporting, logging, investigation and follow up of accident/incidents;

Typically required: • Offshore Medic / Army Medic / Registered General Nurse qualification. • Experience in handling medical emergencies. • Training in emergency and occupational health medicine. PROCESS/PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN OR OPERATOR Process Technicians operate equipment relating to oil and gas production. Other responsibilities may include: • Operate a designated section of the process plant safely and according to the documented procedures and within control bounds at all times; • Operate utilities, gas compression, power generation and oil and gas processing systems; • Prepare equipment for maintenance and execute preventative maintenance; • Monitor process plant equipment to ensure it is operating at optimum levels and take corrective actions when this is not the case; • Ensure systems, procedures and work instructions for the safe operation of the process plant are always used; • Ensure the permit-to-work system is used when required; • Prepare a hand over log for the next shift at the end

of every rostered shift; • Report any safety, environmental and production incidents that occur within the section; • Indirectly minimise costs through efficient operation of equipment, following guidelines and reporting discrepancies. Typically required: • Trade qualification preferred. • Certificate IV in Processing - TAFE qualification (eg Perth Challenger TAFE). • Previous experience working and/or operating a hydro-metallurgical plant or continuous process chemical refinery. • Understanding of permit-to-work and job hazard analysis systems. RADIO CONTROL OPERATORS Radio Operators are responsible for the safe operation and deployment of all communication and communication equipment on board the vessel. Other responsibilities may include:

• Participate in in-house safety training provided; • Initiate safety improvement and safety awareness programs.

• Manage the helicopter flights to and from land to vessel; • Monitor and, where applicable, communicate with all working vessels and maritime authorities (eg Coastguard) in the area; • Monitor weather and alert management on changes that may impact the safe operation of the vessel or transportation via helicopter;

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• • • •

Maintain logs and weather details; Monitor the radio and phone systems; Act as direct contact for the helicopter pilot; Coordinate passenger and store loads to and from land; • Coordinate personnel evacuation in times of emergency or extreme weather conditions. Typically required: • Must hold a recognised Radio Operators License and certificate (eg SWAN TAFE, Western Australia). • Local Sea Rescue experience and training. • Medical background and qualification is preferred. • OHS Training and qualifications. • Naval experience highly advantageous.

• • • • • • • •

RIGGER

•

Riggers are responsible for performing all general deck operations, including housekeeping. Other responsibilities may include:

• • • •

• Perform housekeeping activities to maintain a safe and clean worksite, including painting and equipment repairs; • Perform rigging tasks relating to construction, repair and maintenance of vessel and construction equipment, eg lifting valves and pumps to assist electrical and mechanical trades to install and remove equipment; • Assist with handling and storage of vessel stores

Inside Guide

•

• •

and provisions during loading operations of these items; Assist with transferring equipment from vessel to vessel, including loading and unloading supplies from helicopters; Direct cranes to assist with transferring equipment; Perform sea-fastening of equipment; Assist with handling of vessel mooring ropes; Perform pipe handling operations; Perform Rigid Pipelay and Flexible / Umbilical installation activities; Perform front end firing line operations; Ensure any rigging is ‘Fit For Purpose’ prior to use and perform visual inspection of all loose rigging prior to and after in-service use; Ensure rigging equipment and scaffolding are maintained; Perform ‘working at height’ and ‘over-side’ operations; Erect and dismantle scaffolding; Connect flanges and tension bolts; Terminate wire ropes; Operate winches (air and hydraulic) for construction activities; Ensure Manual Handling operations are undertaken with necessary precautions and requirements; Perform pad change on tensioners for set-up of lay spread equipment.

Typically required: • Advanced Scaffolding, Rigging and Rope Rescue Tickets.

Elevated Work Platform training. Handling of Dangerous Goods Certificate. Crane License. Mechanically inclined. Emergency response or fire fighting training (as often on emergency response teams).

ROV OPERATOR/TECHNICIAN (Remote Underwater Vehicle, offshore only) ROV Operators control remotely operated submersible vehicles as pilot technicians. ROVs are used extensively in the oil and gas sector for observation, installation and intervention/ maintenance tasks. Operators must be capable of piloting the ROV in a broad range of operational circumstances and act as a data recorder/ observer as required. Other responsibilities may include: • Operate, maintain and repair ROV system equipment in accordance with applicable procedures and standards; • Ensure that the necessary paperwork is completed for the operations being undertaken; • Perform timely execution of ROV Operations in accordance with the project requirements and procedures to a quality standard; • Perform maintenance / repair and upgrades to ROV and related equipment, inclusive of mechanical / hydraulic / electrical / electric and fibre optic systems; • Undertake pre and post dive checks on the ROV system; • Perform Launch / Recovery operations of ROV.

Typically Required: • ROV Operator Ticket. • Knowledge of specific ROV control, navigation and propulsion systems being utilised. • Previous experience and/or training in navigating and operating an ROV. STOREPERSON Storepersons ensure compliance with policy and procedures for custody and distribution of inventory on the vessel. Other responsibilities may include: • Ensure stock is maintained in a fit-for-use state in accordance with set procedures; • Unload inbound freight on arrival, segregate, receipt and issue materials; • Prepare materials for storage; • Manage all aspects of dangerous goods storage, handling and distribution in accordance with relevant codes and regulations. Typically Required:

• • • • •

• Trade qualification. • Certificate IV in Distribution or Logistics. • Working knowledge of distribution principles, including store maintenance, preservation and stocktaking. • Comprehensive understanding of EHS compliance and statutory requirements for warehousing environments.

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• Competency in using a warehousing materials management computer package. • Experience in Stores highly regarded. • Experience with online maintenance system.

• As many coded tickets as possible is highly recommended, as is experience in a heavy industrial background. ONSHORE

WELDER Welders are responsible for performing all deck welding/fabrication tasks as directed by the Deck Foreman and for ensuring that all welding/burning equipment used and any hot work carried out is done so safely. Welders construct or repair metal products by joining parts using one of several welding processes. There are first, second and third class welders. Other responsibilities may include: • Work under the instructions of the Welding Foreman for Anode Pad and Anode operations; • Perform ‘hot work’ seafastening, fabrication and equipment repair as may be required; • Operate welding equipment and hand tools as required for ‘hot work’ operations; • Install anode pads and anodes onto pipeline in compliance with approved procedures; • Perform housekeeping activities as necessary to maintain a safe and clean worksite; • Follow specific working requirements set out by applicable Permit to Work orders. Typically required: • Welding/Boilermaking Trade.

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Onshore roles are similar to those offshore, however do not always pay at the same level. Similar roles and requirements include: • • • • • • • • • •

Boilermaker/Welder Crane Driver Drillers Electrician/Instrumentation Fitter and Turner Mechanic Production/Process Operator Rigger/Scaffolder Storeperson Trades Assistant

DRILL RIG EMPLOYMENT – ONSHORE AND OFFSHORE One of the most common questions we are asked is “How do I become a Driller” or “How do I get a start working on a Drill Rig?” We provide an overview for you here...... In almost all cases, onshore and offshore drilling is outsourced to drilling contractors; these are the companies who provide the equipment, people and expertise to drill the oil and gas wells or to drill to find a specific mineral.

The majority of the rigs, around 78%, are working. They are working in Australia, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Eastern Coast of Canada, the Far East, the Gulf of Mexico, Latin America, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Drilling contractors are the ones who find the commodity, ie oil, gas, iron ore, nickel etc. They accomplish this with a piece of equipment called a drilling rig, just rig for short. They come in all shapes and sizes and work both land and offshore. Most land rigs - because they are trailer mounted for highway transportation - are limited to a certain size. Except for their size, land rigs pretty much all look the same. Offshore rigs however come in all shapes and sizes. Each type of rig has a specific environment it was created to work in, going from the protected shallow waters of inland marshes that are only a few feet deep to the most hostile oceans of the world in water depths which are thousands of feet deep.

Oil and Gas drill rigs are located as follows across the globe: • • • • • • • • • • •

Eastern Europe – 29 The Far East – 26 Gulf of Mexico – 336 Latin America – 125 The Mediterranean – 10 The Middle East – 76 The North Sea – 80 West Africa – 59 Australia / Asia – 76 Southern Asia – 28 East Coast Canada – 5

Jobs on the rigs will include cleaner / painters and roustabouts (both entry level) riggers (slingers), floorhands, crane operators, welders, electricians, mechanics, motormen, oilers, engineers, chief engineers, derrickmen, assistant drillers, drillers, tool pushers, warehousemen, medic / safety persons, ballast controlmen, DP operators, barge operators, barge engineers, rig managers and rig superintendents. Inside Guide All right reserved 2014

There are approximately 859 offshore rigs in the world fleet at this time. Some are still under construction, but are included in the numbers. Some are en route from one location to another. Some are stacked, meaning they do not have a contract at this time and only have a skeleton crew on board.

Source: http://www.offshoreguides.com/cptron/ contact_drilling_contractors.htm Typical Driller Tasks • Assembling, dismantling and moving drill rigs and accessory equipment • Taking and packaging ore, liquid and gas samples • Performing maintenance and minor repairs,

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• • • •

lubrication and cleaning on plant Keeping detailed operation logs, record performance details and information obtained from wells Performing drilling operations involved in the opening up of new shafts, air vents, drives and rises Position and prime explosives using explosive cartridges and detonators Operate secondary plants for the purpose of expelling air, water and mud

Western Australia • TAFE WA (Certificate II in Mining Field/Exploration Operations) • TAFE WA (Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations) • TAFE WA (Certificate IV in Surface Extraction Operations) • Drillers Offsiders Course Queensland

Training Options National • Training Package (Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations) • Training Package (Certificate II in Underground Metalliferous Mining) • Training Package (Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations) • Training Package (Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining) • Training Package (Certificate IV in Surface Extraction Operations) • RII41009 - Certificate IV in Drilling Oil/Gas (Offshore) • RII32009 - Certificate III in Drilling Oil/Gas (Onshore) • RII09 - Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package • Drill Skill Training

• TAFE QUEENSLAND (Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations) • TAFE QUEENSLAND (Certificate II in Underground Metalliferous Mining) Northern Territory • Industries Services Training Pty Ltd (Certificate II in Mining Operations) • Charles Darwin University (Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations) South Australia • TAFE SA (Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations) New South Wales/ACT • TAFE NSW Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations

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Employers Atwood Oceanics Australia Pty Ltd Austral Drilling Pty Ltd Baines Drilling Baker Hughes Australia Pty Ltd Brunel Technical Services Cendale Pty Ltd Centreline Drilling Pty Ltd Codmah Pty Ltd Corpro Systems Limited Diamond Offshore General Company Diverse Directional Drilling Pty Ltd Drillco WA Pty Ltd DS Downhole Surveys Dunlop Drilling Empire Services Pty Ltd Envirodrill (WA) Pty Ltd: Fisher Exploration and Mining Franklin Offshore Australia Frontier Drilling (Aust) Pty Ltd Hagstrom Drilling International Mining Services Pty Ltd JS Drilling Layne Christensen Australia Pty Ltd LPM

Maersk Drilling Australia Pty Ltd Marine Offshore & Land Rig Engineering Metres Down Under Pty Ltd Nitrodrill Ocean Rig Offshore Marine Services Orlando Drilling Pty Ltd Outback Drilling and Exploration Perseverance Drilling RAS Marine Pty Ltd Raising Australia Pty Ltd Ron Stanley Holdings Pty Ltd Sbd Drilling Pty Ltd Sinopec Oil & Gas Australia Pty Ltd Songa Offshore Drilling Limited Stena Drilling (Australia) Pty Ltd Subsea 7 Ltd Swaste Pty Ltd Swick Mining Services Total Marine Technology Total Borehole Services Pty Ltd VM Drilling Pty Ltd Voyage Global Energy Wallis Drilling Pty Ltd Weatherford Australia Pty Ltd Wellserv Australia Pty Ltd Westralian Diamond Drillers Pty Ltd

• TAFE NSW Certificate II in Underground Metalliferous Mining • TAFE NSW Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining • TAFE NSW Certificate IV in Metalliferous Mining Operations - Underground

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CAMP/OFFSHORE SUPPORT ROLES The following role types provide support to the efficient operation of a remote camp site and/or offshore facility. Most roles operate on a Fly In, Fly Out basis to a remote camp site and not always on an even time roster. Obtaining a support role is one of the most effective ways of ‘getting a foot in the door’. Living and working on a remote site is invaluable experience and gives you access to the operation and key people to seek other roles, should you wish. Whilst the salaries are lower than those working in operational roles, they will typically be higher than counterparts working in similar roles in non-mining or oil and gas establishments/ environments and you have the benefit of increased time off, and flights, accommodation and meals whilst at work provided. As a minimum, you will need to be 18 years of age and have a current driver’s license, preferably manual. CATERING Across the industry the tasks catering trades may be responsible for include: • Monitoring compliance with health and fire regulations regarding food preparation and serving and building maintenance in lodging and dining facility;

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• Estimating food, liquor, wine, and other beverage consumption to anticipate amount to be purchased or requisitioned; • Organising and directs worker training programs, resolves personnel problems, hires new staff, and evaluates employee performance in dining and lodging facilities; • Planning menus and food utilization based on anticipated number of guests, nutritional value, palatability, popularity, and costs; • Monitoring food preparation and methods, size of portions, and garnishing and presentation of food to ensure food is prepared and presented in accepted manner; • Investigating and resolves complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations; • Creating specialty dishes and develops recipes to be used in dining facility; • Testing cooked food by tasting and smelling to ensure palatability and flavour conformity; • Keeping records required by government agencies regarding sanitation and regarding food subsidies where indicated; • Establishing and enforces nutrition standards for dining establishment based on accepted industry standards; • Reviewing menus and analyses recipes to determine labour and overhead costs, and assigns prices to menu items, and • Monitoring budget, payroll records, and reviews financial transactions to ensure expenditures are authorized and budgeted.

• Chef or Cooking Qualification; • Certificate in Hospitality; • Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or restaurant.

• State relevant Plumbers Licensing Board Plumbing Trade License or Plumbing Contractors License; • Manual driver’s license; • Forklift Ticket or training; • Previous experience working in a remote area; • Knowledge of commercial catering equipment.

ELECTRICIAN

GARDENER (entry level role)

Electricians are responsible for the maintenance of the village laundry and kitchen appliances, accommodation facilities and any other maintenance duties required at the camp. This may include but is not limited to air conditioners, plumbing and general handy man duties.

Gardeners are responsible for the overall day to day care and maintenance of village gardens and surrounds including irrigation programs and systems. Other responsibilities may include:

Typically Required:

• Maintain Village standards; • Identify improvements in operations; • Perform regular documented inspections of all areas.

• • • • •

State relevant ‘A’ grade electrical license; Manual driver’s license; Forklift Ticket or training; Previous experience working in a remote area; Knowledge of commercial catering equipment.

PLUMBER Plumbers are responsible for the maintenance of the village/facility plumbing requirements of the kitchen, laundry and accommodation facilities and for any other maintenance duties. This may include general handyman duties. Typically Required:

Typically Required: • Whilst a horticultural certificate is not essential for these positions, candidates typically must possess proven hands on experience in a similar role; • Current manual driver’s licence.

Typically Required:

HOUSEKEEPER/CLEANER (entry level role) Housekeepers or Cleaners work on a shift rotation to clean camp or off shore vessel rooms and premises to ensure a high standard of housekeeping is maintained.

• State relevant Energy Safety Gas Fitting Permit;

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REFRIGERATION MECHANIC

Skills Needed:

Mechanics are responsible for the maintenance of village air conditioners, kitchen and laundry appliances, accommodation facilities and any other maintenance duties. This may include plumbing and general handyman duties.

• Basic computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Excel and database applications • 4WD experience

Typically Required:

Dispatch Operators act as the primary point of contact for Mining Technicians and are required to provide real-time communication across a wide range of operational aspects including: safety alerts, reallocation of resources, alarms, refueling and shift breaks. Other responsibilities may include:

• • • • • •

ARCtick License (Australian Refrigeration Council); State relevant Restricted Electrical License; Manual driver’s license; Forklift Ticket or training; Previous experience working in a remote area; Knowledge of commercial catering equipment.

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT ROLES COREFARM TECHNICIAN (entry level role) Corefarm Technicians provide geological, geotechnical / hydro-geological, operational exploration and corefarm support to the Geology department. Other responsibilities may include: • Manage the documentation of drill sampling, geotechnical and hydro-geological data; • Cut and store core samples; • Perform other test work as required;

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DISPATCH OPERATOR

• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety and Environment standards throughout all communications; • Monitor operation of the Mine Fleet Management System; • Collaborate with pit or underground production management across all planning and operational aspects including production plans, schedules, fleet requirements and performance, blending requirements, blasting, refueling and crib times to ensure a seamless operation; • Monitor, review and communicate production priorities, equipment and personnel allocation, equipment health data and maintenance requirements to relevant personnel to maximise resource utilisation.

Skills Needed:

• Previous experience as a Dispatch Operator at a truck or excavator mining operation; • Outstanding communication skills; • Meticulous time keeping and reporting skills; • Ability to multi-task; • Competency in using a modular system (eg Mine Fleet Management System).

• • • • • •

Enjoy scientific activities; Ability to prepare accurate records and reports; Ability to work as part of a team; Interested in rocks, fossils and minerals; Physically fit; Willing to work in remote locations.

FIELD COORDINATOR FIELD ASSISTANT/SAMPLING (entry level role)

• Order, check, pack and ship equipment and supplies for field surveys; • Manage small field camps, and in some cases cook for small groups; • Collect, record and transport samples of rock, soil and water; • Collate information collected from a range of samples and carry out computer processing of the data assist with all aspects of supporting personnel in the field, • Maintain collections and a wide range of equipment.

Field Coordinators provide day-to-day logistical support and supervision of near-mine resource definition and grade control drilling programs. Other responsibilities may include: • Supervise, train and assign tasks to geology assistants; • Supervise contract staff including drilling personnel; • Manage surface drilling contracts; • Develop safety management plans and procedures for all drilling and grade control activities; • Liaise with geologists, short-term mine planners and mine production to ensure delivery of drilling programs within required time frames.

Field Assistants perform support functions on site. They may work on drill sites, participate in field geophysical surveys and sample during geochemical surveys. Field assistants are often required to spend long periods of time working in remote locations throughout Australia. Field assistants in the minerals industry may perform the following tasks:

Skills Needed: • Leadership skills and experience; • Exposure to open pit or underground mining and near-mine drilling programs; • 4WD experience; • Ability to prepare accurate records and reports.

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GEOLOGICAL ASSISTANT Geological Assistants provide integral support to grade control and exploration programs to achieve optimal efficient grade control drilling and efficient mining/ extraction of the resources. Other responsibilities may include: • • • • •

Grade control sampling; Ore blocks and waste mark-ups; Ore spotting; Capture all geological and mining production data; Diamond and RC drilling data entry and database management; • Core Farm duties; • Assisting with near-mine exploration programs; Skills Needed: • • • • •

Certificate 2 in Geoscience Field Practices; Experience on a mine site; HR class license; Forklift and/or light HIAB type crane tickets; Basic computing skills in PC based spreadsheets, word processing software and geological databases.

• Analyse and coordinate inventory management and repair of materials; • Dispose of capital equipment and inventory; • Provide education to inventory consumers on site of standard supply systems and procedures; • Action MRP (Materials Requirement Planning) exceptions to meet site requirements Skills Needed: • CPIM accredited (Certificate in Production and Inventory Management) through APICS (Australasian Production and Inventory Control Society); • advanced skills in Microsoft Access and Excel; • Considerable experience and knowledge of supply functions, including warehousing and inventory management systems; • High attention to detail; • Outstanding numeric and analytical abilities • Data analysis and inventory modeling skills and experience. LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (entry level role)

INVENTORY CONTROLLER Inventory Controllers provide the principal interface between Maintenance and/or Production and Supply whilst ensuring a high level of inventory data integrity. Other responsibilities may include:

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Laboratory Technicians or Analysts complete sample preparation duties and prepare and run samples using specific laboratory equipment (such as XRF, XRD, ICP, AAS and UV/VIS spectrophotometer).

• Attention to detail; • Competent computing skills in PC based spreadsheets, word processing software and geological databases; • Operation of relevant laboratory equipment to test samples. LABOURER/TRADES ASSISTANT (entry level role) Labourers are in demand within the minerals industry as they are central to operations. They help with construction, repair and maintenance and may perform tasks including: • Operating machines; • Assisting workers to extract geological materials, using hand tools and equipment; • Helping to extract craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators and monitoring equipment operation during the extraction process; • Supplying equipment or cleaning work areas; • Collecting geological matter, using hand tools and testing devices; • Signalling workers to start extraction; • Repairing automotive and drilling equipment; • Delivery and set-up of materials, devices and machine parts, using hand tools; • Loading materials into gas or well hole, or equipment, and

• Dismantling and extracting excavation material and equipment. Skills Needed: • • • • •

Mechanically inclined; Ability to work as part of a team; Interested in rocks, fossils and minerals; Physically fit; Willing to work in remote locations.

METALLURGICAL TECHNICIAN Metallurgical Technicians typically work in a laboratory and conduct a range of sample testing. Other responsibilities may include: • Test daily plant samples, often involving flotation and sizing test work; • Prepare samples; • Data entry; • Provide feedback to operations on laboratory tests in order to optimise production performance. Skills Needed:

Skills Needed:

• Experience working in mineral laboratory operations specifically flotation, sizings, cyclosizing and UV Spectrometry; • Competency in computer software packages including MS Excel, Word and Access; • Current drivers license

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RIGGER/SCAFFOLDER Riggers and Scaffolders ensure compliance with safe working heights to erect scaffolding in order to conduct work at heights and riggers to safely move major pieces of equipment via rigging apparatus. Other responsibilities include:

• Unload inbound general freight vehicles on arrival, segregate, receipt and issue materials; • Prepare materials for storage; • Manage all aspects of dangerous goods storage, handling and distribution in accordance with relevant codes and regulations; Skills Needed:

• Designing and erecting scaffolds to meet safety specification and business needs; • Dismantling scaffolds and maintaining housekeeping standards in each area of work; • Assembling rigging apparatus to safely transport or move pieces of equipment, often with the coordination of a Crane Driver. Skills Needed: • Intermediate Rigging and/or Scaffolding ticket, with advanced qualifications ideal; • Experience in building, mining or heavy industry; • Forklift licence, Elevated Work Platform (EWP), Dogging Tickets STOREPERSON Storepersons ensure compliance with policy and procedures for custody and distribution of inventory across the operation. Other responsibilities may include: • Ensure that stock is maintained in a fit-for-use state in accordance with set procedures;

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• Certificate IV in Distribution or Logistics; • Working knowledge of distribution principles, including store maintenance, preservation and stocktaking; • Forklift license; • Comprehensive understanding of EHS compliance and statutory requirements for warehousing environments; • Competency in using a wharehousing materials management computer package.

MINING TECHNICIAN / OPERATOR ROLES The following is a comprehensive listing of Operator and Technician jobs in the underground and open cut mining industry. For those entering the industry, obtaining the necessary licenses to drive/operate one piece of mobile equipment may be enough to get an entry level position and then train in the operation of other equipment. Where possible, we have also included an indication of the type of roles which are

BELTRUNNER A Beltrunner monitors and maintains a typically fully automated underground crushing and material handling system which transfers ore and mullock material. Other responsibilities may include: • Liaison with winder driver in regard to systems status, material type changes and job priorities; • Monitor and clean all transfer points and chutes on a regular basis to ensure smooth operation; • Clean loading pocket flasks and associated levels as required in schedule; • Regular inspection of MHS (materials handling system) and reporting of any damage or faulty equipment; • Clean down of the MHS daily to ensure a high standard of cleanliness is maintained; • Ensure accurate end of shift reports are completed. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Knowledge of underground process and material handling systems. Previous experience with crushers and conveyors. • Ideal: Previous experience operating crushers and conveyor belts. Experienced rock breaker operators. Experienced in operating forklifts, bobcats and light vehicles. Experience in maintenance systems.

Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License, Forklift operator certificate. BOGGER OPERATOR Responsibilities include: • Dig holes/scrape material from the inside of the open cut or underground surface; • Carry material in the Bogger bucket and load material into a dump truck for transport; • Regular inspection of the Bogger and reporting of any damage or faulty equipment; • Clean down of the equipment daily to ensure a high standard of cleanliness is maintained; • Ensure accurate end of shift reports are completed. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Knowledge of underground or open cut process and material handling systems, ability to read and comprehend written instructions and write basic correspondence and reports. • Ideal: Experienced in operating forklifts, bobcats and light vehicles. Experience in maintenance systems.

often denoted as ‘entry level’ by larger organisations such as BHP Billiton or Rio Tinto.

Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License, Forklift operator certificate.

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BOLTEC OPERATOR

BULLDOZER OPERATOR

Boltec Operators operate Boltec drilling rigs and are responsible for the correct installation of all ground support required to safely and efficiently mine material. Other responsibilities may include: • Mark up for installation of various rock bolts. • Install mine services when required. • Communicate and plan with development crew and shift supervisor to optimize the mining plan. • Ensure accurate end of shift reports.

Bulldozer operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of bulldozers, using the blade and other attachments to gouge out and move rock, earth and other materials. Other responsibilities may include: • Operate the Bulldozer to move overburden; • Carry out basic maintenance, adjustments and repairs, if qualified; • Carry out pre start checks; • Set levels; • Use machines to anchor form and remove obstruction on roads.

Skills & Experience • Minimum: Underground experience as a mechanical bolter operator. Detailed knowledge of the operation of large automated bolting equipment for installing various rock bolts. Ability to read and understand detailed survey prints and layouts. Ability to read and understand designed ground support plans. . Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge of jumbo rigs. • Ideal: Experience in operation of single or two boom electric hydraulic jumbos. Experience in operations of underground loaders, mechanical bolters, and light vehicles. Experienced with charge up. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License,

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Skills & Experience • Minimum: Knowledge of underground or open cut process and material handling systems, ability to read and comprehend written instructions and write basic correspondence and reports. • Ideal: Experienced in operating forklifts, bobcats and light vehicles. Experience in maintenance systems. Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License, Forklift operator certificate.

The Cable Bolter Miner operates the cable bolt drill to drill bolt holes and install grout cables. They are responsible for undertaking all cable bolt drilling and installation to ensure that targets are reached in a safe and efficient manner. Other responsibilities may include: • Drill holes in accordance to the surveyed engineered plans to maximize the drill pattern and installation of the cable bolts (including grouting); • Maintain drill accuracy in accordance to operating procedures; • Provide ongoing feedback to the shift supervisor and when required technical staff; • Ensure accurate end of shift reports; • Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness of equipment. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Cable Bolting experience in an underground environment. Knowledge of maintenance procedures and safe equipment cleaning practices. Ability to read and understand Cable Bolting drill layouts. Ability to use laser and inclinometer line up tools. • Ideal: Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge of Cable Bolting drilling equipment. Knowledge of grouting preparation and installation techniques. Previous experience in operating Cabolter drill rig,

Single Boom Jumbo Longhole rigs, Longhole rigs, integrated tool carriers, and light vehicles, and manual installation and grout cable bolts. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License CHARGE UP OPERATOR The Charge Up Operator is responsible for undertaking all blasting activities, including the preparation and charging of blast holes along with coordinating other charge up personnel. The Charge Up Operator typically takes instruction from the Production or Development Charge Up Miner. Other responsibilities include: • Uses explosives to ensure that powder factors conform to budget forecasts with maximum advance and break tonnes being achieved for the holes charged; • Conducts preparation of blast holes in accordance with site procedures to minimise misfires and improve utilisation of explosives; • Ensures accurate end of shift reports.

CABLE BOLT MINER

Skills & Experience • Minimum: General experience with loading explosives. Ability to obtain a site blasting certificate. • Ideal: Charging experience in an underground operation. Experienced in the operation of Charge

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vehicles. A complete understanding of State explosive regulations. Qualifications • Minimum: WA Driver’s License, First Aid Certificate, Site blasting certificate. CONSTRUCTION MINER A Construction Miner installs Pastefill lines, ancillary works and operates the paste plant required to maintain Pastefill production throughout the surface and underground operation of the mine. Other responsibilities include: • Install Pastefill pipelines, air, and water and pump lines as required for Pastefill. • Install mine ventilation ducting, fans and regulators required for Pastefill. • Install electric cables and infrastructure for Pastefill underground equipment. • Construct Pastefill brattice walls. • Operate Pastefill plant. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Knowledge and experience in installing Pastefill pipelines. Experienced and knowledgeable in construction activities throughout a mine including construction of bulkheads, regulators and brattice walls. Ability to run a Pastefill plan. Required to operate an Integrated Tool Carrier, forklift, bobcat, light vehicles and hand held air mining tools. Knowledgeable in maintenance and cleaning schedules for safe operation of the

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Pastefill plant, and construction activities. • Ideal: Experience in other mining activities such as material handling systems including conveyor belts and crushers. Experienced in production and development mining. Experience in working with and forming concrete. Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License, Forklift operator certificate. DEVELOPMENT CHARGE UP MINER The Development Charge Up Miner supervises and coordinates charge-up personnel to charge development drill holes and production stopes. They are responsible for undertaking all blasting activities to ensure that targets are reached in a safe and efficient manner. Charge Up Miners are typically an appointed position by the Mine Manager, and are required to understand and act in accordance to the relevant State Mines Explosives Regulations. Other responsibilities may include: • Use explosives to ensure that powder factors conform to budget forecasts with maximum advance and break tonnes being achieved for the holes charged; • Conduct preparation of blast holes in accordance with site procedures to minimise misfires and improve utilisation of explosives; • Provide ongoing feedback to the shift supervisor; • Ensure accurate end of shift reports.

Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate, Site blasting certificate. • Ideal: WA Driver’s License DRILLER Drillers move, set up and operate drilling rigs and related equipment to drill holes for mineral exploration. Other responsibilities may include: • Move rigs onto site and set them up; • Position drills and set angles and depths; • Start and stop drills and coordinate utility workers on site; • Check equipment and progress throughout operation; • Operate secondary equipment, such as pumps (air and mud) and equipment used to prevent and correct problems;

• Record performance details and take drill core samples; • Carry out minor maintenance and repairs, and • Dismantle and move rig to next site. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Must be 18 years of age and have worked in a drilling environment in a remote area, for example driller’s offsider. Ability to record details accurately, as precision is crucial to the safety of the exploration. Mine charging experience. Mechanical aptitude. • Ideal: Understanding of, or exposure to drilling processes and rigs. Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License EXCAVATOR OPERATOR (may be an entry level position) Excavator operators operate excavators to dig, move and load earth, rock or other materials. Other responsibilities may include: • Load and unload plant from low loaders and manoeuvre it around site operations; • Communicate with truck drivers and other personnel to coordinate operations; • Operate equipment to excavate to correct levels and alignment, working from drawings and markers; • Back-fill trenches;

Skills & Experience • Minimum: Mine charging experience. Experienced in the operation of Charge vehicles. A complete understanding of site, and State explosive regulations. • Ideal: Understanding of, or exposure to drilling development blast holes. Experience with centralized blasting systems, loading ANFO mechanically. Previous experience in operating underground loaders, integrated tool carriers, ANFO charging kettles and light vehicles. Experience in loading emulsion explosives in production blast holes.

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• Select and change excavator attachments, and • Service equipment. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Experience operating similar earth moving equipment in a construction or industrial environment. Knowledge of equipment cleaning and maintenance procedures. • Ideal: Knowledge of production and development mining activities. Experience in operating trucks and light vehicles. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Driver’s License, GRADER OPERATOR (may be an entry level position) Grader operators operate Graders to spread and level materials on site. Other responsibilities may include: • Level surfaces by making repeated passes over working areas and observing survey pegs or signals from co-workers; • Dig out ditches by tilting grader blade; • Break up surface with scarifying attachments, and • Service equipment regularly. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Experience maintaining roadways using graders. Understanding of road chambers and water drainage. Knowledge of equipment cleaning

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and maintenance procedures. • Ideal: Knowledge of production and development mining activities. Experience in operating integrated tool carriers, trucks, and light vehicles. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Driver’s License, JUMBO MINER Jumbo Miners operate Jumbo drilling rigs, mine material and install ground support according to quality specifications. They are responsible for the quality and quantity of machined excavations in accordance with mine layouts and survey direction. Other responsibilities may include: • Face mark ups in accordance with geological, statutory, and survey specifications; • Install all ground support, except cable bolts and shotcrete; • Sink the main access declines and open up the new stopping areas; • Install mine services when required; • Minimise secondary breakage and over-break; • Operate trucks; • Install mine services when required; • Maintain a high level of communication with other ramp traffic; • Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment.

Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License, LOADER OPERATOR Loader Operators transport broken material from development headings or stope draw points, maintain level roadways to maximize safety and haulage rates and are typically responsible for bogging out both development, and production work areas. Other responsibilities may include: • Prepare development face for bogging by applying approved water and scale procedures; • Load trucks with broken material and direct truck driver to correct destinations for various material types; • Liaise with charge up personnel to ensure stope draw points are left in a safe condition for

subsequent ring charging; • Regulate ore pass levels and materials handling systems feeds; • Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment. • Roadwork as required. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Loader experience in an underground or surface environment. Knowledge of maintenance procedures and safe equipment cleaning practices. Ability to operate a loader to maximize haulage and minimize damage. Ability to obtain a site blasting certificate. • Ideal: Basic mechanical knowledge of loaders. Previous experience in operating integrated tool carriers, and light vehicles. Knowledge of tyre and bucket wear on loaders. Understanding of a sub level cave, or block cave mining operation (for underground operations). Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Driver’s License,

Skills & Experience • Minimum: Experience as a Jumbo operator. Detailed knowledge of the operation of large jumbos (single or multi-boom) for developing and installing ground support. Ability to read and understand detailed survey prints and layouts. Ability to read and understand designed ground support plans. Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge of jumbo rigs. • Ideal: Experience in operation of two boom electric hydraulic jumbos. Experience in operations of loaders, mechanical bolters, and light vehicles. Experienced with charge up.

LONGHOLE MINER Longhole Miners operate single boom Longhole Jumbo drilling rigs to drill blast holes for production of stope ore. They are also typically responsible for undertaking all production holes drilling to ensure that targets are reached in a safe and efficient manner, including setup to design, accuracy in drilling and operation of

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equipment including operator maintenance. Other responsibilities may include: • Drill holes in accordance to the surveyed engineered plans to maximize drill pattern and explosive breakage; • Maintain drill accuracy in accordance to operating procedures; • Provide ongoing feedback to the shift supervisor and when required technical staff; • Ensure accurate end of shift reports; • Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Longhole drilling experience, with knowledge of maintenance procedures and safe equipment cleaning practices. Ability to read and understand Longhole drill layouts. Ability to use laser and inclinometer line up tools. • Ideal: Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge of Longhole drilling equipment. Knowledge of charging techniques for production blast holes. Ability to use remote drilling techniques. Previous experience in operating Solomatic / Data Solo drills, Single or multi Boom Jumbo Longhole rigs, and light vehicles. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License

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MINE UNDERGROUND STORE OPERATOR (may be an entry level position) The Mine Store Operator operates the Lamp Room and ensures that all store ancillary equipment is stored, maintained and cleaned to standard. Other responsibilities may include: • Maintain lamp room, Caplamps and associated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); • Deliver ordered stock throughout the mining department; • Maintain PPE stocks, visitors clothing and stores as required; • Maintain system for issuing of gas detectors and hand held radios; • Maintain and modify a system of lockers number allocations for new personnel and removal of locker numbers when personnel leave; • Ensure Winder building is kept at a high level of cleanliness; • Assist in other areas maintaining a high level of housekeeping as defined by the shift supervisor. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Basic computer skills. Organisation and warehousing skills. • Ideal: Previous experience as a storesperson. Experience in operating light vehicles, and store trucks. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Driver’s License

MINE UTILITY (may be an entry level position)

any one or more of the positions in this guide. Refer to individual listings for further information.

A Mine Utility cleans vehicles, crib rooms, toilets and other designated ancillary equipment. Other responsibilities may include: • Clean the inside and outside of assigned vehicles to a high standard; • Clean and maintain Crib Rooms to a neat and tidy condition; • Clean and maintain toilets so that they are kept tidy and hygienic; • Clean other areas as directed to maintain a high level of housekeeping.

MINE CONTROLLER

Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Driver’s License MINER/MINING TECHNICIAN This position title is often a ‘catch all’ for any position requiring the operation of mining equipment, and typically includes all of the positions cited in this guide. When organisations advertise for Mining Technicians, they are seeking individuals who are experienced in

Skills & Experience • Minimum: Ability and willingness to clean mine areas. • Ideal: Experienced in cleaners, solvents and tools required to clean. Mechanically inclined. Willingness to work in an underground environment.

The Mine Controller effectively controls the movement of mining equipment/plant in a coordinated manner to ensure production targets are achieved in a safe manner. Other responsibilities may include: • Record movements and communicate between Supervisors and all personnel in the mine to ensure safe equipment/plant movement; • Entering accurate production and movement data; • Record all radio transmissions in case of emergency and assist in coordination of emergency procedures; • Log equipment downtime and effectively communicate between maintenance, fixed plant and mining to improve utilization of manpower and equipment; • Maintain an ore handling movement log of levels of materials in all ore levels; • Monitor underground infrastructure such as fans, pumps and emergency systems; • Participate in blasting procedures; • Produce end of shift reports. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Excellent literacy and communications skills. Ability to communicate effectively over the radio and te lephone. Good administration and computer literacy skills.

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• Ideal: Experienced Mine Controller in a mine environment. A dispatcher or radio operator (controller). Ability to drive a light vehicle. Experienced with emergency procedures. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License, NIPPER (may be an entry level position) Nippers transport materials/consumables and personnel to mine work areas. Other responsibilities may include: • Set – up headings for development jumbos and assist operators when required; • Clean rubbish from the mine; • Maintain the mine dewatering system; • Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Mechanically inclined. • Ideal: Knowledge of mine operations such as jumbo drilling. Knowledge of typical mine supplies and deliverables. Ability to operate a light vehicle underground and on the surface. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Driver’s License

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PLAT OPERATOR Plat Operators transport materials and workers in the shaft in an underground environment (via the lifts and cages). Other responsibilities may include: • Maintain housekeeping standards on the brace and plats. • Wash cage floor before man runs and as required. • Assist with conveyance and maintenance inspections. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Knowledge of cage rope capacities, shaft workings and statutory code of conveyance signals. • Ideal: Pervious experience in driving winders and working in shafts. Knowledge and experience with material handling systems including crushers and conveyors. Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate • Ideal: WA Driver’s License, Winding engine drivers certificate of competency. PROCESS TECHNICIAN A Process Technician is the mining production equivalent of a Mining Technician and normally operates a designated section of a process plan on a mine site, smelter or refinery. Responsibilities may include: • Operate a designated section of the process plant safely and according to the documented procedures and within control bounds at all times; • Monitor process plant equipment to ensure it is

• • • • • • • •

Skills & Experience • Minimum: Good verbal, written and computer skills, sound problem solving skills, ability to communicate effectively, work and interact within a dynamic production environment, highly self motivated, conscientious and reliable. Mechanical aptitude. Qualifications • Minimum: Current driver’s license, previous experience working and/or operating a hydro-

metallurgical plant or continuous process chemical refinery, previous experience working a continuous shift roster, sound understanding of permit-towork and job hazard analysis systems. • Ideal: Experience in the operation of autoclaves, a current First Aid Certificate and Forklift License. A trade qualification such as Fitting, Electrical or Boilermaker is generally highly regarded and often a pre-requisite for oil and gas. PRODUCTION CHARGE UP MINER The Production Charge-Up Miner is responsible for undertaking all blasting activities to ensure that targets are reached in a safe and efficient manner, including the preparation and charging of blast holes along with coordinating other charge up personnel. Charge Up Miners are an appointed position by the Mine Manager, and are required to understand and act in accordance to the relevant State’s Mines Explosives Regulations. Other responsibilities may include: • Uses explosives to ensure that powder factors conform to budget forecasts with maximum advance and break tonnes being achieved for the holes charged; • Conducts preparation of blast holes in accordance with site procedures to minimise misfires and improve utilisation of explosives; • Provide ongoing feedback to the shift supervisor; • Ensures accurate end of shift reports. • Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment.

•

operating at optimum levels and take corrective actions when this is not the case; Work with the maintenance personnel to ensure the plant is safe to maintain; Take responsibility for a designated section of the process plant for the duration of each rostered shift; Ensure systems, procedures and work instructions for the safe operation of the process plant are always used; Ensure the permit-to-work system is used when required and standards are not compromised; Prepare a hand over log for the next shift at the end of every rostered shift; Complete area log sheets as required; Take mineral samples for laboratory testing; Report to your Supervisor any safety, environmental and production incidents that occur within the section; Indirectly minimize costs through efficient operation of equipment, following guidelines and reporting discrepancies.

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Skills & Experience • Minimum: Charging experience in an underground or surface operation. Experienced in the operation of Charge vehicles. A complete understanding of site, and State explosive regulations. • Ideal: Understanding of or exposure to drilling production blast holes. Experience with centralized blasting systems, emulsion loading and mechanically loading up holes. Previous experience in operating loaders and integrated tool carriers.

• Ideal: Knowledge of mine services including air, water, electrical, and ventilation installations. Knowledge of mine dewatering systems and pipe installation. Ability to operate an integrated tool handler and light vehicles. Ability to operate pneumatic powered air leg rock drills

Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate, Site blasting certificate. • Ideal: WA Driver’s License

SERVICE SPECIALIST

SERVICE CREW (may be an entry level position) Those working in the Service Crew install mine services and ancillary works required to maintain production throughout the operation of the mine. Other responsibilities may include: • Install air, water and pump lines; • Install mine ventilation ducting, fans and regulators; • Install electrical cables and infrastructure; • Tension mine cable bolts; • Maintain mine dewatering system. • Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Mechanically inclined.

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Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Driver’s License

The Service Specialist coordinates the Service Crew personnel to ensure the safe and efficient installation of mine services and ancillary works required to maintain production and development throughout the mine operation. The Service Specialist is responsible for maintaining communication with the shift supervisor to completed all tasks and avoid re-work, and is required to foreword plan to ensure disruptions to the mining operations are minimal. Other responsibilities may include: • • • • • • •

Mining where required; Install air, water and pump lines; Install mine ventilation ducting, fans and regulators; Install electrical cables and infrastructure; Maintain the mine dewatering system; Ensure accurate end of shift reports; Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment.

Skills & Experience • Minimum: Knowledge of mine services including air, water, electrical, and ventilation installations. Knowledge of mine dewatering systems and pipe installation. Ability to operate an integrated tool handler and loaders. Ability to operate pneumatic powered air leg rock drills. Ability to tension cable bolts. Leadership qualities to work with a small group of service miners. Ability to obtain and work towards an Underground Mine Supervisors Ticket. Ability to work with and train new employees. • Ideal: Knowledge of material handling systems, production and development mining activities. Qualifications • Minimum:, First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Underground shift supervisor’s certificate, Train the Trainer certificate and Driver’s License.

• • • •

operators when required; Transport personnel, and deliver materials/ consumables; Clean and transport rubbish from the mine; Maintain mine dewatering system. Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment.

Skills & Experience • Minimum: Mechanically inclined. • Ideal: Knowledge of underground operations such as jumbo drilling. Knowledge of typical mine supplies and deliverables. Ability to operate a light vehicle underground. Knowledge of and ability to perform emergency procedures. Qualifications • Minimum: First Aid Certificate • Ideal: Driver’s License

SHOTCRETER (may be an entry level position) TRUCK OPERATOR The Truck Operator is responsible for the movement of all broken material with correct destination communicated with the loader operator. Other responsibilities may include: • Operate the truck to minimize damage on equipment, tyres and truck box and midships; • Safe and efficient operation of trucks; • Proper communications with ramp and mine traffic; • Regulate ore pass levels and materials handling systems feeds; • Maintain log books;

Responsibilities may include: • Perform pre-start inspections on shotcrete equipment and light vehicle; • Tram shotcrete machine to workplace and set up; • Lay out necessary air hose length and connect to the machine; • Operate shotcrete boom into position; • Hydro scale the area (use of high pressure water to bring down rock prior to schotcreting); • Guide transmixer/agitator truck into position behind shotcrete machine; • Set up headings for development jumbos and assist

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• Conduct pre-start checks, eg check brakes, oil, tyres, electrical systems,water, hydraulic and air; • Load, or supervise loading, of material onto the truck; • Follow maintenance procedures to maximize operational effectiveness with equipment. Skills & Experience • Minimum: Operation of large mine haulage trucks. Knowledge of maintenance procedures and safe equipment cleaning practices. Ability to operate a truck to maximize haulage and minimize damage. • Ideal: Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge of trucks. Previous experience in operating trucks and light vehicles. Knowledge of tyre and box wear. Qualifications • Minimum: Heavy Duty Driver’s License, Driver’s License, First Aid Certificate.

SCRAPER OPERATOR Scraper Operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of scrapers which pick up, haul, deposit and level earth on mining sites. Other responsibilities may include:

• Drive machines to scrape surfaces to a given depth and collect material in their bowls to be deposited elsewhere on site; • Dump and spread material following the guidance of survey pegs; • Service and make minor repairs to the equipment.

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TRADE ROLES All Trade roles require an AQF Certificate III or higher qualification (essentially successful completion of a trade apprenticeship within the Australian Qualifications Framework – www.aqf.edu.au). In most instances, relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification. Most, if not all, employers will request to sight original copies of Trade Papers prior to employment. All positions will require some level of familiarity with workshop protocols and a computerised maintenance system, in addition to reasonable computer literacy. ELECTRICIANS Electricians install and maintain electrical systems. In the minerals and energy industry they are responsible

• Repair and maintain all electrical equipment and process control; • Maintain lighting, switches and electrical equipment in safe working order; • Install wiring and circuits for extensions and additions to work sites; • Carry out electrical fitting, high voltage switching and electronics; • Maintain communications and telecommunications systems; • Read wiring diagrams to plan layout of wiring systems; • Install insulated cables and connect switches, outlets and other fittings; • Provide enough wiring systems for electrical plant; • Connect cables to circuit breakers, transformers, motors, heaters etc; • Test circuits; • Connect systems to power supplies; • Complete electrical calculations; • Test equipment using meters, and • Undertake high voltage switching Typically required: • Experience with electrical fixed or mobile plant in an industrial environment.

ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN Electrician/Instrumentation Technicians specialise in the complexities of the electrical workings of specific instrumentation used used in the industry. They may perform the following tasks: • Repair and maintain all electrical equipment and process control; • Provide preventative and corrective maintenance on instrument/electrical equipment such as gas turbines, automated control systems, HV switching, compressors, fire and gas systems, power generation and Digital Control Systems (DCS); • Ensure safe work practices near electrical outlets; • Read wiring diagrams to plan layout of wiring systems; • Test circuits; • Connect systems to power supplies; • Complete electrical calculations; • Test equipment using meters, and • Undertake high voltage switching Typically required: • • • •

for establishing and ensuring ongoing supplies of power from generators to plant and accommodation units. They may perform the following tasks:

Current A Grade Electrican License Instrumentation Qualifications Possession of a High Voltage Switching ticket Experience with electrical fixed or mobile plant in an industrial environment.

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FITTING AND MACHINING / FITTER AND TURNER Fitters are responsible for the maintenance, repair and manufacture of metal products and machinery. Fitters in the minerals industry can specialise in the following areas: • Diesel and heavy earthmoving equipment fitters - Diagnose problems, repair, overhaul, tune, maintain and test heavy duty mobile equipment used on site; • Instrument fitters - Assemble, calibrate, install and commission precision instruments that measure, indicate, transmit, record and control; • Mechanical Fitters - Service and repair brakes, engines, transmissions and suspension components; • Fixed plant fitter - Overhaul pumps, install pumps, repair ball and rod mills, repair crushers, install plant and equipment; • Electrical Fitter - Making, fitting or repairing electrical machines and instruments; As a fitter you must be able to: • Mark the shape and dimensions of a part to be machined by studying blueprints and using measuring instruments; • Assemble and fit machined parts using drill holes and tap threads, if necessary, for bolting parts together; • Check tightness of joints and operation of moving parts, and file or chisel parts to make final adjustments if the fit is not perfect;

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• Cut, thread, bend and install hydraulic and pneumatic pipes and lines; • Manufacture, repair and maintain equipment, and • Identify faulty equipment HEAVY DUTY FITTER Conducts preventative and reactive maintenance and repairs on major mobile mining and mechanical equipment, including light vehicles, trucks, bobcats, conveyors and crushers. Typically required: • Previous experience with crushers and conveyors. • Experienced in operating forklifts, bobcats and light vehicles. • Experience in maintenance systems. • First Aid Certificate • Driver’s License, Forklift operator certificate. MECHANICS (Diesel, Heavy & Light Plant) Mechanics in the minerals industry can choose to train and work in the following areas: DIESEL FITTERS/MECHANICS Heavy vehicle motor mechanics repair, maintain and test heavy vehicles, other engines and related mechanical components and may perform the following tasks: • diagnose, overhaul, repair, tune, maintain and test diesel and petrol/gas-powered vehicles, including

LIFT MECHANICS Lift mechanics assemble, install, adjust, maintain and repair electrical and hydraulic lifts and escalators and perform the following tasks: • study drawings and lay out the position of steelwork, guide rails, motors, pumps and cylinders; • install lift guide rails; • install cables, counterweights etc; • connect electrical wiring to control panels; • test and adjust assemblies, and • carry out regular maintenance programs.

PLANT MECHANICS Plant mechanics ensure the machinery and equipment operates efficiently and safely and perform the following tasks: • Maintain and repair all onsite fixed and mobile machinery; • Regular servicing of vehicles; • Performance testing of machinery and vehicles to manufacturers specifications; • Determine the need to replace components or equipment rather than repair, and • Work on transmissions and hydraulic systems of heavy equipment. METAL FABRICATION A fabrication engineering tradesperson may perform the following tasks: • examine detailed drawings or specifications to find out job, material and equipment requirements; • cut, roll, shape, bend, mould, spin, heat or hammer metal products to fabricate parts or sub-assemblies; • heat treat metal parts and components; • set up and/or operate hand and machine tools, welding equipment or computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines; • assemble parts and structures by lining up and joining them by welding, bolting or riveting, and • finish products by cleaning, polishing, filing or bathing them in acid solutions, or by applying protective or decorative coatings.

trucks, buses, bulldozers and other earthmoving equipment, tractors, stationary engines (eg generators, pumps, compressors and drilling rigs); • detect mechanical and electrical faults by using instruments that check charging and starting circuitry, batteries, ignition and ignition timing, fuel injection systems and speed control, cylinder compression, engine condition, braking efficiency, and wheel balance and alignment; • repair and maintain the hydraulic components of diesel and petrol/gas engines that are used to power attachments such as hoists, booms, scrapers, buckets and augers, and • use oxy, electric, TIG and MIG welding, hand fitting or machining processes to replace or repair faulty parts.

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WELDER • Welders construct or repair metal products by joining parts using one of several welding processes. There are first, second and third class welders. First class welders in the minerals and energy industry may perform the following tasks:

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• study blueprints or specifications and decide which welding methods to use; • clean and prepare metal surfaces for welding, cutting, gouging, bevelling, grinding or filing; • cut metal shapes using flame cutting torches; • pre-heat thick metals to required temperatures; • fit attachments, connect hoses to gas tanks etc; • adjust welding machine variables; • inspect and check welds; • clean and smooth welds, and • Second and third class welders perform less complex tasks related to welding. BOILERMAKER (Heavy Fabrication) Boilermakers mark out, cut, shape, assemble and fix metal to produce or repair storage tanks and other high pressure storage vessels. Boilermakers in the minerals and energy industry may perform the following tasks: • determine the requirements and steps needed to

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do the job by interpreting scale drawings; draw accurate guidelines on the metal showing where to cut, drill and bend; cut marked sections using hand tools or cutting torches; shape and bend sections and pipes using a variety of tools and processes; assemble parts and structures after aligning by welding, bolting or rivetting, and make full-size patterns.

SHEETMETAL WORKER (Light Fabrication) A sheetmetal worker (light fabrication) manufactures a variety of products and components using thin sheetmetal materials. A sheetmetal worker uses hand tools, power tools and other machines to mark out, cut, shape and join a variety of sheetmetal materials, which can include galvanised steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass. Sheetmetal workers shape and form the cut material into products by operating sheetmetal shaping and forming machines such as brake presses, folding, bending and rolling machines. Parts are joined by riveting, bolting, welding, brazing or soldering, or by drilling holes in products and in surfaces on which items are to be mounted.

MOBILE SPECIALIST TECHNICIAN

Typically required:

Conducts preventative and breakdown maintenance for Caterpillar, Toro, Tamrock, Atlas Copco, Jacon, Normet and miscellaneous support equipment for open cut or underground mining operations. Other responsibilities may include:

• • • • • • •

• Troubleshooting mechanical / hydraulic systems. • Read and interpret hydraulic flow diagrams.

Heavy Duty Tyre Fitting trade Overhead Crane license Rigging qualification Forklift license Elevated Work Platform Ticket Electronic diagnostic tool training/certificate Senior First Aid Certificate

Typically required: • • • • • •

Heavy Duty Diesel or Automotive Mechanic trade. Heavy Duty Drivers license Overhead Crane license Rigging qualification Elevated Work Platform Ticket Electronic diagnostic tool training/certificate Inside Guide All right reserved 2014

MOBILE TYRE TECHNICIAN A Mobile Tyre Technician provides preventative and breakdown maintenance on rims and tyres of Caterpillar, Toro, Tamrock, Atlas Copco, Jacon, Normet and miscellaneous support equipment. They also manage tyre and equipment stock levels and maintain tyre records.

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Section 3 – ABOUT THE INDUSTRY THE BIG PICTURE The ‘resources’ sector or industry refers to all exploration, mining and production activities associated with minerals in the mining, oil and gas (or petrochemical) industries, including construction. Australia now has approx. 450 projects in the construction pipeline with 272 of those already committed and/or under construction, with a combined value of $424b. Another 184 projects are in the pipeline awaiting Final Investment Decision. Conservative estimations are that approvals for at least $50-80b worth of additional project value will be announced in the next 12 months. Of the total project pipeline (committed and uncommitted projects), the breakdown by state is: • • • • • •

Western Australia; 89 Northern Territory; 36 Queensland; 123 New South Wales; 94 Victoria/Tasmania; 53 South Australia; 61

The major commodities under development are coal, iron ore, liquefied natural gas and coal seam gas. Whilst the operational numbers are significant, the immediate impact will be felt in the construction space with a peak of 250,000 required between 2013 and

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2015. That’s up from the 75,000 currently employed in the sector. Even by the second half of 2013, the construction demand is expected to have doubled. Acute shortages will be felt in the following disciplines: • • • • • • • • •

Structural Fitters and Welders Mechanical Fitters Electricians Fixed and Mobile Plant Operators Structural Steel Fixers Motor Mechanics Crane Operators Carpenters Concreters

In addition, Australia is producing fewer than half of its current annual engineering workforce needs. According to Engineers Australia, even with Australian universities and TAFEs producing around 9,000 graduates annually, Australia is still unable to provide a reliable domestic solution to key engineering shortages. Over the past six years, more than one in 20 engineering projects did not proceed due to problems recruiting and retaining suitably qualified engineers. To further demonstrate the lightening speed of demand, 44,600 new jobs were added to the Australian resource sector in the year to February 2012, increasing from 205,000 to 249,700. This increase cements the

Not surprisingly, the major gains were seen in Western Australia and Queensland which accounted for twothirds of all new mining jobs. New South Wales gained an extra 8,700, South Australia 3,100 and Victoria 2,000. When you read about projects, most will cite large numbers which are inclusive of both the construction and operational workforce. Whilst you will see many of the ‘operators’ advertising for operational roles or expressions of interest in preparation for major projects, the bulk of the jobs will be in construction and with smaller businesses supplying the works or equipment. When the general media talks about 10,000 jobs with Gorgon for example, around 2,000 of these are likely to be ongoing operational and the remainder with suppliers or major contractors who are awarded work packages during the construction phase. This applies to other projects. When seeking opportunities to work on projects, the following is a guide: Operational Roles • Will include Engineering, Technical, Functional Support (like HR, Supply, Finance etc) Trades and Operating roles. Typically, employers/operators

will seek candidates who are highly experienced in their area, obviously qualified, and/or for operating roles, will ideally have a trade background. You will, however, see growing opportunities for trainee positions for operating, and apprenticeships for trades. Construction Roles: • These will vary considerably and include all types of Engineering functions, including highly specialist Project Engineers and Managers through to Labourers and Trade Assistants. • Work will be with major construction contractors like Monadelphous, Macmahon, NRW Civil and Mining, United, Transfield Services, Thiess etc and generally provide a reasonable tenure on projects. These types of organisations typically recruit all level of roles depending on the nature of the work package awarded. Other work will come from smaller suppliers with very specific work packages. For example, work packages might include the construction of the accommodation village where plumbers, carpenters and formworkers are required, or for diving services, where only highly skilled and qualified divers are required.

industry as the nation’s second biggest provider of new jobs behind health and aged care.

When we blog about projects and who has been awarded work packages, we do so to offer information on what type of work will be conducted and who then may be seeking people to complete that work. This facilitates your own research.

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Australia has mining activity in all of its states and territories. Particularly significant areas today include the Goldfields and Pilbarra regions of Western Australia, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Latrobe Valley in Victoria, the Townsville and Mount Isa regions in Queensland, the North West shelf in Western Australia for offshore petroleum production and various parts of the Outback. Operations are a combination of residential and/or Fly In, Fly Out. Major active mines/sites in Australia include: • BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam Operation in South Australia; a copper, silver and uranium mine boasting the world’s largest known uranium source with a mine life of 100 years; • Super Pit Gold Mine; a consolidation of a number of mines near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia and the largest open pit in the southern hemisphere; • North West Shelf – major centre for offshore exploration, construction and drilling with production plants located on the North West coast of Western Australia. • Timor Sea – becoming a major centre for new offshore exploration, construction and drilling with Inpex and others establishing major production centres in the region.

MINING Within the mining industry there are three significant activities - mine operation, mining support and mining

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construction. Over two thirds of workers in the mining sector are involved in the construction and extraction, production, or transportation and material moving occupations – essentially ‘blue collar roles’; trades, operators and technicians. Materials are extracted from the earth by means of either surface mining or underground mining; this is of course dependent on how close to the surface the desired substance is located.

Surface mining is used when the mineral is located close to the Earth’s surface and is sometimes referred to as open-pit or strip mining. The method of extraction is quite simple and much more efficient than underground mining as it involves much fewer workers and is a less complex procedure. The process starts by blasting the surface with explosives and using earth-moving equipment to remove the top layers of rock and soil in order to expose the mineral bed. Once the mineral bed is visible smaller shovels are used to remove the material and place it in trucks to be removed from the site. The advantage of surface mining over underground mining is the increased safety and less complexity in process. However, both environments have unique challenges; the underground environment can be loud, damp, dark and hot with workers often working in isolated ‘pockets’. Working on the surface means being exposed to all weather conditions, which may cause the mine to shut for periods over the winter months. Underground mining is undertaken if minerals are

located deep within the Earth’s surface. In Australia, there are a number of new underground projects underway – several of which are employing very new mining techniques like block caving. The BHP Billiton Leinster Operation is example of this where block caving will be used to significantly extend the life of mine. To access the area where the material is located it is necessary to construct at least two shafts; one is used for the transportation of employees, machinery and minerals the other is a ventilation shaft. The shafts can go in all directions depending on the location and directions of the mineral seams. Those looking to work in underground mines have to be able to work in dark, hot, noisy environments and be able to work in extremely confined spaces.

Continuous Mining Ore is extracted using a continuous miner, which cuts out the ore and transfers it straight onto a conveyor belt to be transported away to the surface. Longwall Mining A machine similar to a continuous miner uses a rotating drum to cut the ore and transfer it to a conveyor belt and at the same time insert hydraulic pillars to support the tunnel roof.

There are three methods used to extract minerals in underground mining:

This is the oldest method of the three and is slowly being phased out. A “Kerf” or strip is cut 1.8m to 4.5m in length underneath the seam and is designed to control the direction the ore falls once it has been blasted. Holes are drilled into the seam to allow explosives to be inserted; once the explosives have been inserted and detonated the ore is collected up and transported to the surface.

OIL AND GAS

Conventional Mining

The oil and gas industry represents the most lucrative opportunities for those seeking employment, albeit is more difficult to gain entry and typically requires a trade qualification. In the oil and gas industry, there are two main areas – Upstream and Downstream – comprising different process elements:

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UPSTREAM 4. Exploration; includes predicting where oil or gas may be found and drilling activities on or offshore via Drill Rigs. 5. Construction; which either occurs through a pipelaying subsea vessel (pipe is laid on the seabed from the source to a processing facility on shore) or through surface construction if the source was located on land. 6. Production; extracting the oil and gas; develo-ping fields and producing the oil and gas; well completions, including the installation of valves and pipes to control pressure and flows. 7. Transporting – moving oil and gas by sea and pipeline.

• Fixed Production Platform receives oil and gas from the seabed, separates and processes it, and either sends it to a processing facility on shore or directly to an oil tanker which transports directly to a customer (ie Rankin and Goodwin A operated by Woodside). • •

Off shore vessels include: • Drill rigs used for exploration (eg Atwood Eagle operated by Atwood Oceanics). • Pipe laying barges used for construction and specifically laying the pipe on the seabed which transports oil and gas from an FPSO to shore for further processing or refining (eg Semac1 operated by Saipem). • Floating Production Storage Offtake (FPSO) facilities (ie Griffin Venture by BHP Billiton). An FPSO is an oil tanker that has been specifically built or converted to process oil and gas. Gas and oil comes from the seabed to the FPSO which will either re-inject it back into the seabed to create more pressure to keep the oil or gas flowing or will be directly piped to shore.

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DOWNSTREAM 1. Refining – Distilling and blending oil products. This includes the distillation process to separate crude oil into useable ‘fractions’ for further processing into LPG, petrol, jet fuel, diesel and lubricating oils, cracking heavier products into more desirable lighter products such as LPG, petrol and diesel and producing feedstocks for petrochemical and plastics manufacture. 2. Distribution – Delivering Petroleum Products to consumers.

The developed countries of the OECD are the largest consumers of petroleum products but only hold 10% of world petroleum reserves, while the producer countries of OPEC use far less but own 75%. Consequently, petroleum products are produced, shipped, traded and distributed across the globe. The increasing demand for petroleum, along with a desire to diversify the sources of supply, is driving exploration into remote areas of the world, both on and off shore. Oil companies are making huge investments in exploration surveys, drilling programs, and new production facilities in central Europe, Asia and Australia. One exploration well can cost up to $20m to drill.

improving the accuracy of exploration programs. Similar innovation in Directional Drilling techniques used on Australia’s North West Shelf reached a reservoir 7.5 km away and 5 km below the Goodwin off shore platform. Like many capital intensive, technologically advanced industries, the Australian petroleum industry does not employ large numbers of staff. Direct employment in producer companies probably numbers around 15,000 nationally. However, the industry is dependent on many suppliers, contactors and service companies. Consequently, the total number of jobs dependant on the petroleum industry is estimated to be in excess of 30,000. Generally this workforce is highly skilled, and consequently, receives above average wages and salaries. There are many employers in the Australian petroleum industry. To spread the risk and share the expense, most oil and gas fields are developed by Joint Ventures formed of international oil companies, smaller local firms, and representatives of the major customers. The Joint Ventures will appoint one company to manage the field exploration program, the construction of facilities, and the operation of the production assets.

The word petroleum originates from the Greek word petra, for rock and the Latin oleum, for oil. This rock oil has its origins deep below the earth’s surface where the ancient remains of plants and animals have decayed and have been compressed to form crude oil and natural gas. Extracted and refined, this oil and gas provides 80% of the world’s transport fuels and 50% of our energy needs. Petroleum is also used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and fabrics and is a base ingredient in most plastics. Around 72% of energy consumed in Australia is oil and gas, or derived from oil and natural gas (APPEA – Facts about Oil and Gas, 2004).

This increasing demand is also driving investment in technical innovation. Recent advances in 3D seismic surveys and computer imaging are significantly

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ROSTERS

MAP OF RESOURCE PROJECTS IN AUSTRALIA

Rosters in the industry vary and may depend on whether you live residentially or elsewhere and need to fly, drive or bus to site from another location. Some common terms you may see in advertising include: FIFO BIBO DIDO

Fly in / Fly Out Bus in / Bus Out Drive in / Drive Out

Typical rosters include: 2:1 3:1 4:1 6:6 4:4 8:6 7:7

Two weeks on, one week off Three weeks on, one week off (often construction) Four weeks on, one week off (often construction) Six weeks on, six weeks off (often oil and gas) 4 days on, 4 days off 8 days on, six days off 7 days on, 7 days off

Rosters can include a number of combinations of the above. For example, a roster of 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, 2 weeks on, 4 weeks off is common for oil and gas operational roles.

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KEY INDUSTRY LOCATIONS Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resource Sector operates across every state of Australia. In particular, Western Australia, Queensland and the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales offer significant opportunities for both Fly In, Fly Out (FIFO) and residential careers and lifestyle. The following provides an overview of the key regional locations where local employers prefer a mainly residential arrangement for their workforce. Some locations will ALSO offer FIFO opportunities, but the overview is provided for those actually considering a move to a specific location. To explore the location of mine sites around Australia: http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/ australiaminemap.asp

QUEENSLAND Gladstone Boasting a sub-tropical climate and sheltered by two islands – Facing Island to the east and Curtis Island to the north - Gladstone has recently assumed a prominent place in the Australia Resource Sector with three major LNG projects approved for Curtis Island, about to generate thousands of jobs. Located about 550kms by road north of Brisbane and 100kms south east of Rockhampton, the city was named after British statesman, William Gladstone.

wineries, regional gallery and museum, the annual Sunrise Longboard classic surfing competition held in March each year, and the Gladstone Harbour Festival held during Easter each year. All three major LNG projects will employ a mainly residential operational workforce, presenting an outstanding opportunity to live and work in a pristine location. Useful links: http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/home Mackay

Its coastal location means Gladstone is renowned for its marine activities and the Gladstone Marina is frequently used for boating and sailing activities. Gladstone gives you immediate access to the famed Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island, Wilson Island and Lady Alice Island amongst others. The city boasts an impressive array of cultural, and sporting facilities and festivals, including Spinnaker Park and Marina, Tondoon Botanical Gardens,

With a population of about 30,000, the population has increased significantly since the founding of the Queensland Alumina bauxite refinery, the biggest alumina refinery in the world. The Gladstone region is known for its strong economy and employment opportunities and has a strong retail and service sector within the modern urbanised city centre. The Mackay Marina With Airlie Beach - the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef - just 130km to the north, Mackay (rhyming with ‘sky’) is a compelling base for those seeking a career in the industry. Perhaps more known for producing more than a third of Australia’s sugar cane, the mining and oil and gas

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sectors are rapidly expanding in the area, offering greater opportunities than ever before. Mackay is based on the eastern coast of Queensland, about 970 kms north of Brisbane in a region referred to as the Mackay – Whitsunday region. Mackay is also widely recognised as the gateway to the Bowen Basin coal mining reserves of Central Queensland. It is the single largest coal reserve in Australia, with 34 operational coal mines extracting more than 100 million tonnes annually. This represents about 83 per cent of Queensland’s coal production, among its most important export commodities. While much of this is used in Australia, Japan and China are the largest export recipients. Although coal was reported to be discovered late in the 19th century, it was not until 1971 that the first coal from Goonyella was produced on a commercial scale. Over the past 10 years, Mackay has become the location of choice for many mining service companies that supply and consult to the mine operators. This is due to its strategic proximity to the mines, major highways and train lines, and the Hay Point coal terminals. Most of these companies are headquartered in the suburb of Paget, to the city’s south. The region, and Mackay, in particular has had its share of natural disasters. In 1958 and again in 2008 and 2011, major flooding left a trail of significant damage. Mackay was also battered by Tropical Cyclone Ului, a category three cyclone which crossed the coast at

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nearby Airlie Beach, in March 2010. Mackay’s population of 116,000 is serviced by a number of major shopping centres, including Mt Pleasant Greenfields with 250 specialty stores and a five-screen cinema complex. The Mackay City Heart, located in the older city centre, is also another thriving part of the city. It is the home of many of the region’s banks, law, accounting and other professional service firms. Useful Links: http://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ Mount Isa Mount Isa came into existence soon after 1923 when John Campbell Miles discovered a rich seam of silverlead. Mining began in the late 1920s, with Xstrata now operating the Mount Isa Mines lease and employing around 4500 people across mining and processing streams, producing copper and zinc-lead-silver. The town gained notoriety in 2008, when the local mayor suggested that even “not-so-attractive” girls could find a partner in the friendly north-west Queensland town – such was the abundance of single mining blokes. Given that the nearly half of the district’s population of some 30,000 is female, the statement probably did more harm than good.......but certainly did get the

place noticed! Mount Isa was proclaimed a city in 1968 when the population reached 18,000. Now a major regional centre, Mount Isa is the administrative, commercial and industrial centre for Queensland’s vast northwestern area.

Useful links: http://www.mountisa.biz/ http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/ destinations/outback/places-to-visit/mount-isa/ index.cfm

The city boasts hospital facilities, retail outlets and all the major sporting codes. Franchises such as McDonalds, K-Mart and Harvey Norman have set up shop, there’s a large taxi service, a cinema and skate park/aquatic centre, and passenger trains, buses and airlines offer regular services.

NEW SOUTH WALES

There are eight public primary schools, three private primary schools and three high schools. There’s also Mt Isa Hospital, an 80-bed facility offering a host of specialist services including anaesthetics, medicine, paediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology.

Although over 1,100 km west of Sydney, the state’s capital, and surrounded by semi-desert, the town features colourful parks and offers all the regional facilities you would expect from a large regional hub. With a population of 20,000, Broken Hill is located so near the border of South Australia that it adopts the time zone of that state and gets a great deal of its local news content from Adelaide.

Broken Hill has been called The Silver City, the Oasis of the West, and the Capital of the Outback.

The annual rodeo is a major sporting calendar event and attracts nearly 10,000 visitors every year in August. Mount Isa is 900km from Townsville and 1900km from Brisbane.

Broken Hill

Broken Hill’s population has shrunk by one third since the heyday of the 1970s zinc boom, with the decrease attributed to migration from the closure and

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consolidation of several mining operations. In 1933 Broken Hill, with a population of 26,925, was the third largest urban incorporated area in New South Wales. Broken Hill has been and still is a town dominated by the mining industry. The mines founded on the Broken Hill Ore Deposit - the world’s richest lead-zinc ore body - have until recently provided the majority of direct employment and indirect employment in the city. The Broken Hill Proprietary Company became Australia’s largest mining company, and later became part of the world’s largest mining company, BHP Billiton. First discovered by European explorers in the 1840s, the city has become a popular tourist location with more than 30,000 visitors each year. As one of the very first original ‘mining towns’, visitors flock to the town to learn more of the history. Temperatures range from the low 30s in summer to the 20s in spring and autumn and down to 12-18c in winter. January and February, in particular, can be very hot with temperatures soaring to the mid 40s for days at a time. Useful links: http://www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au/ http://www.visitbrokenhill.com.au/ http://www.perilya.com.au/

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Cobar With a population of 5,500, Cobar is located in central western New South Wales, some 712km northwest of Sydney. Copper was discovered in 1870, leading to settlements being founded with Australia’s European and Asian gold rush immigrant arrivals. The Great Cobar Copper Mining Company Limited was established in 1878. It and subsequent companies operated a number of light railways carrying ore and similar material, as well as timber for mine supports. Cobar and many mining outskirts accommodated the miners who travelled to the area in the late 1880s. At its peak, Cobar had a population on 10,000 and its own stock exchange. However, copper mining operations ceased in 1920, and by the 1930s the town’s population had dropped to a little over 1,000, only to rise again and stabilise at around 3,500 through the 1970s and early 1980s. In the 1980s, gold, silver, lead and zinc were discovered in the area, which led to a further population increase. Several fine heritage buildings from the late 1880s/ early 1900s settlement are still in existence, including the Great Western Hotel (1898), reputed to have the longest iron lace verandah in the Southern Hemisphere, the Cobar Court House (1887) and Court House Hotel (1895) in Barton Street, as well as the interesting Cobar Heritage and Visitor Information Centre, located in the beautiful former Mines Office (1910). On Hillston Road

southeast out of town is Fort Bourke Hill which affords an excellent view of the town, and Towser’s Huts, a series of stone miners’ cottages dating possibly from as early as the 1870s.

offers a wide range of services and facilities, including a cinema, large chain stores and the Western Plains Zoo. The Cobar Heritage and Visitor Information Centre overlooking the open cut mine, also offers tours for visitors. The Festival of the Miners’ Ghost, held during the last weekend in October, is a festival celebrating the spirits of the old miners. Useful Links: http://www.cobar.nsw.gov.au/

The larger centre of Dubbo which is only 300kms away,

Hunter Valley

It could be argued that there is no more enviable location to reside in the mining industry than in the Hunter Valley. Blessed with one of the world’s most renowned wine producing centres in the world, and a mere 310km from Sydney.

City Centre Many of Cobar’s 5,500 residents are associated with the local mines, and the town also provides services for outlying farms. Facilities for children include a swimming pool with water slide, a family park with three age-appropriate play areas, plentiful community and family events and sports clubs. The centre of town is no more than a 15 minutes’ walk from every house, so shops, hotels and cafes are easily accessible. There is a community hospital, medical centre and midwifery care. The town’s current positive economic development is due to the affluence of the mining boom. Three important mining belts are operational in the Cobar area: The Cobar belt, the Canbelego belt and the Girilambone belt.

Most of the population of 640,000 plus, lives within 25km of the New South Wales coast with 55% of the entire population living in the cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

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Whilst most commonly known as a premier wine growing region, it’s most important economic activity is coal mining through major employers such as Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton. The industry is supported by the port at Newcastle, which is one of the largest export facilities for coal in the world, most of which is initially transported via railway. Together with Queensland, NSW produced around 97% of Australia’s saleable output of black coal in 2007-2008, as well as 100% of Australia’s black coal exports. Other industry in the area include electricity generation through coal fired power stations, horse breeding (in fact, one of the largest horse breeding areas in the world), and tourism. The Hunter Valley is the 6th most visited place in Australia attracting more than 2.5 million people annually. Local Employers include: Coal & Allied Industries Limited, managed by Rio Tinto (part of Rio Tinto Coal Australia) and running three mining operations; • Xstrata Coal NSW, NSW’s largest coal producer and a subsidiary of Xstrata. The company operates 10 mining operations in the Hunter Valley. • Anglo Coal Australia Pty Ltd • Hunter Valley Energy Coal Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Billiton). • AMCI Holdings Australia Pty Limited

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• Bloomfield Collieries Pty Limited • Camberwell Coal Pty Limited; Centennial Coal Company Limited • Donaldson Coal Pty Limited • Gloucester Coal Ltd; Lake Coal (Road Coal Only) • Muswellbrook Coal Co Ltd • Southland Coal Pty Ltd • White Mining Limited. Useful links: http://www.winecountry.com.au/ Content/?ids=LocalCommunities http://www.huntervalleyeguide.com/places.php VICTORIA Bendigo Bendigo is the second largest inland city and fourth most populous city in Victoria and offers easy access to great sporting, shopping and cultural activities just 90 minutes away in the state’s capital of Melbourne. With a population of nearly 90,000 people, the city boasts beautiful heritage buildings and leafy Victorian streetscapes. Bendigo is most notable for its gold mining heritage. Since 1851, over 22 million ounces of gold have been extracted from goldmines, making it the highest producing 19th Century goldfield in Australia.

Useful sites: http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/ http://www.bendigotourism.com.au/ SOUTH AUSTRALIA Leigh Creek

Queen Elizabeth Oval The city is serviced by major rail and air links, boasts the largest regional hospital in Victoria, and has a range of public and private schools, including Melbourne’s LaTrobe University and Regional Institute of TAFE campuses.

The current town is actually 13kms further south than the original town – it was moved in 1982 to enable expansion of the Coal Mine. This means that most of the facilities and buildings in the town are only a little over 20 years old, with relatively modern designs. The coal mind produces more than 2.5 million tonnes to fire its power station at Port Augusta and supplying more than 40 per cent of South Australia’s energy needs.

City Centre

On the edge of the desert, to the west of the northern Flinders Ranges, Leigh Creek is a coal mining town with just 300 residents, most of who are employed by the local coal mine, operated by Babcock and Brown Power, Australia’s largest ASX-listed electricity generation business. Most others either work at the Leigh Creek Area School (catering for about 170 primary and secondary students) or Leigh Creek Hospital, providing 24-hour casualty and emergency facilities.

Since the early 1990s, significant changes occurred in Leigh Creek. Massive restructuring of mining operations resulted in the reduction of a workforce of over 750 to about 200. The township also became a lot

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smaller. The population dropped from about 2500 in 1987 to approximately 300 today. The loss of residents also resulted in the loss of many services. Whilst quality primary school education is on offer, high school students lack subject choice which has made education at the Leigh Creek Area School not the ideal option for many students. Many parents have to send their children away at 13 years old, to get a good education in Adelaide or regional cities like Port Augusta. With no major medical facilities in town, a simple medical procedure may require a trip to Adelaide, which means a round trip of about 1200 km. A note of interest however is that all houses were built facing north and south, together with more than 250,000 native trees and shrubs to counter the impact of temperatures regularly rising past 40C in summer. Useful Links: http://www.users.on.net/~lcvic/ http://www.southaustralia.com/ FlindersRangesOutback.aspx http://www.oca.sa.gov.au/ Roxby Downs Roxby Downs, 570km north of Adelaide in central South Australia, was purpose-built in the late 1980’s to service the massive Olympic Dam mine now owned by BHP Billiton.

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With a resident population of 4500 and another 900 commuting workers who drive or FIFO, it boasts an average age of 29 years (28 per cent under 15), and one of the highest birth rates in Australia. Whilst in a very remote location, the town does provide a wide range of community facilities and government services, including: • One of the largest area schools in South Australia. • A 10-bed hospital, with accident and emergency, community midwife, doctors, dentist, chiropractor, hearing services and a resident physiotherapist. • Visiting health services including an occupational therapist, speech pathologist, dietician and podiatrist. • Two playgroups and two childcare centres. • Large network of sporting clubs, plus a golf club, tennis and squash courts bowling green and tavern. • Public swimming pool with toddler pool and water slide. • Shopping centre with newsagency, pharmacy, a gift, clothing & jewellery store, hairdressers, hardware, furniture, electrical, nursery, auto accessories, video store, photo processing and a Woolworths supermarket. The town is serviced by a good bitumen road and regular flights to Adelaide. The nearest regional centre is Port Augusta (256km). Aside from the immediate services and facilities of the township, the majority of employment is generated

Useful Links http://www.roxbydowns.com/ http://www.roxbydowns.communityguide.com.au/ http://www.tafesa.edu.au/home.aspx Whyalla Located about 400kms north of Adelaide near the top of Spencer Gulf, Whyalla has a population of some 22,000 people and was built on the back of mining, agriculture and manufacturing. Whyalla was founded in 1901 as a port for shipping iron ore extracted from the nearby Middleback Ranges. BHP had a massive impact on the town’s growth, processing natural resources, producing steel and (until the mid 1970s) building ships. The result is a highly skilled workforce and spin-off industries in steel fabrication, manufacturing, construction, hydraulics and more. The two major resource-related industries in town are steelmaking (OneSteel) and Santos’ fractionation plant located at Port Bonython. Liquid hydrocarbons are pumped 659kms from the Cooper Basin oil and gas fields, where they are processed into crude oil, condensate, propane, ethane and butane.

Whyalla has become more widely recognised as a major hub and service centre for the region catering for major contracts, such as the Alice Springs to Darwin railway, the Port Augusta power station and the Olympic Dam copper/uranium mine. Whyalla is regarded as a friendly, thriving place and also gateway to the pristine coastline and outback wilds of Eyre Peninsula. Whyalla Hospital has more than 80 staffed beds (including two hospice units) catering for accident and emergency, surgical, theatre, women’s and children’s and high dependency. Additional services include: 20-bed day surgery unit, community, mental health, domiciliary care, palliative care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology. There are more than 15 GPs, three pharmacies and a selection of dentists, orthodontists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, optometrists and other specialist health care providers. Whyalla Aged Care employs almost 170 people and offers a range of facilities and accommodation options for elderly residents. Whyalla Westlands is the largest undercover shopping centre in regional SA, with department stores, popular franchise outlets, supermarkets and a food hall. A number of other shopping strips are also located throughout the city, and Whyalla Cinema shows all the latest releases. Whyalla Leisure Centre has a 25m indoor heated swimming pool, squash and racquetball courts, sports hall, weightlifting facilities and the allimportant cafe. Classes include aqua aerobics, circuits, aero boxing, tai chi, and swimming.

by the Olympic Dam mine site. The site operates as a residential operation but FIFO is available for those working for sub-contractors. Additionally, some elect to operate on a drive in, drive out arrangement to other locations such as Whyalla and Port Augusta, staying at the camp during shift.

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There’s an array of childcare centres, pre-schools and primary schools, plus four high schools. If you’re keen on returning to studies, TAFE SA has a campus here and so does the University of South Australia (attracting students from across regional SA but also as far afield as interstate and overseas). It’s the largest uni campus in country SA and home to UniSA’s Centre for Regional Engagement, offers fields as diverse as business and accounting to nursing and arid lands technology.

The city boasts mature infrastructure and services including the local Library, open seven days a week and providing free access to the Internet. It is also serviced by most phone companies including Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus who all provide 3G network services. Other facilities include the Geraldton Regional Hospital (providing 66 acute beds, 24-hour emergency services and acute medical, surgical/pediatric and maternity wards), two public and three private schools, university, TAFE and community education providers.

Useful Links: http://www.whyalla.com.au/ WESTERN AUSTRALIA Geraldton Geraldton has an enviable coastal location, only 424 kms north of Perth, the state’s capital. It has a population of just over 40,000 making it the fourth largest city in Western Australia. Today, the city is an important centre for mining, fishing, wheat, sheep and tourism, with major infrastructure projects currently under construction generating hundreds of job opportunities. The Oakajee Port and Railway project approved in 2009 by the Western Australian Government, for example, will service the iron ore mining industry and open further expansion opportunities for a number of organisations.

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With a rugged coastline, long sandy beaches, coral reefs and a warm climate, Geraldton residents are drawn to the outdoors with popular pastimes such as fishing, swimming, windsurfing, sand-boarding, sports, diving, and four-wheel-driving. Local Employers: Major resources companies include The Midwest

Corporation, Murchison Metals and Gindalbie Metals. In 2009 the trio formed an alliance to develop the region’s growing iron ore industry. Useful sites: http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/ http://www.geraldtontourist.com.au/ Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Together with his prospecting partners, Tom Flanagan and Dan O’Shea, Hannan filed a Reward Claim, leading to hundreds of men swarming to the area in search of gold and Kalgoorlie, originally called Hannan’s, was born. Kalgoorlie, known as Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a city in the Goldfields-Esperance region of the state and is located 595Kms east-northeast of Perth. Also dubbed the “Golden Mile”, it has a population of 28,246, making it the largest urban centre in the Goldfields-Esperance region and the fifth-largest in Western Australia. Gold and nickel mining have been major industries ever since, and today employs about one-quarter of Kalgoorlie’s workforce and generates a significant proportion of its income.

Kalgoorlie also boasts one of the biggest open cut gold mines in the world, which is operated by Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines and at approximately 3.6 kms long, 1.6 kms wide and 512 metres deep, it is so large it can be seen from space. Dubbed ‘The Super Pit, it was created by Alan Bond, who bought up a number of old mine leases in order to get the land area needed. Every now and again the digging reveals an old shaft containing abandoned equipment and vehicles from the earlier mines. Inside Guide All right reserved 2014

If you’ve heard the term, ‘Eureka’ - which these days is typically used to express a ‘great find’ or ‘aha moment’ – it has its origins squarely in Kalgoorlie. Paddy Hannan used the term in 1893 when he stumbled upon a large nugget of gold, igniting one of this country’s great gold rushes.

The mine operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a visitor centre overlooks it. The mine blasts at 1:00 pm every day, unless winds would carry dust over the town. Each of the massive trucks carries 225 tonnes of rock and the round trip takes about 35 minutes, most of that time being the slow uphill haul. Employees must live in Kalgoorlie; it is not a fly in, fly out operation. The mine is expected to be productive until about 2017. Since 1992, Kalgoorlie is home to the ‘Diggers and

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Dealers’ conference, held annually in August. It is Australia’s premier international mining conference.]

temperatures being 16.5 and 4.8 degrees respectively. Local employers:

A bustling busy regional centre, Kalgoorlie-Boulder offers an extensive network of bus, rail and air services linking through to Perth, the eastern states and the nearby coastal town of Esperance, a major recreational centre called Goldfields Oasis, including a 50m indoor swimming pool, children’s pool, multipurpose indoor and outdoor courts, playing fields and gymnasium, together with sporting associations offering AFL, cricket, netball, soccer, tennis, hockey, swimming, basketball, dancing, bowls, horse racing & trotting and touch football. There are nine primary schools and four secondary schools, Curtin University of Technology, including the Western Australia School of Mines and the Curtin VTEC (Vocational Education Centre). For its population size, Kalgoorlie is recognized as having more pubs per head of population anywhere in the world – 25 pubs in fact. There is good shopping along Hannan and Burt Streets with a mixture of retail outlets and shop fronts; supermarket chains Coles, Woolworths and IGA; department stores K-Mart and Target. Like its other famous gold-rush mining town, Broken Hill in New South Wales, temperatures can be extreme with long stints at 40+ degrees experienced in the January and February months. By contrast winters can be cool with July average maximum and minimum

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Local employers include Barrick Gold Australia, KCGM Australia and BHP Billiton Nickel West. Useful Links: http://www.kalbould.wa.gov.au/ http://www.kalgoorlie.info/ http://www.superpit.com.au Karratha Located just over 1,500kms north of Perth and 850kms south of Broome along the North West Coastal Highway, Karratha is a town adjoining the port of Dampier in the Pilbara region. Developed in the 1960’s to accommodate the processing and exportation workforce of the Hamersley Ironing mining company, and later in the 1980’s, the petroleum liquefied natural gas operations of the North West Shelf Venture, the town’s name means ‘good country’ or ‘soft earth’ in the local Aboriginal language. Karratha’s economic base includes the iron ore operations of Rio Tinto, sea-salt mining, ammonia export operations, and Woodside’s largest resource development and newest Natural Gas project called Pluto LNG, which is situated adjacent the existing North West Shelf LNG facility.

Kununurra Kununurra is a town in the far northern of the state, located at the eastern side of the Kimberley Region approximately 37 kms from the Northern Territory. It was built on Lake Kununurra, the flooded section of the Ord River valley between the Ord Diversion Dam and the Argyle Dam 55 km upstream. With 3,748 residents, many of whom are Indigenous Australians, it is the largest town in Western Australia north of Broome and more than 3,000 kms from Perth and 780kms from Darwin by road, so in a word, isolated!

Close by, there is a smaller centre called Karratha Village, which has health services including pharmacy, medical and dental practices. There is a hospital in the town also. Useful Links: http://www.discoverwest.com.au/western_australia/ karratha.html http://www.pilbaracoast.com/en/default.htm

The regional centre however is surrounded by some of the most pristine and stunning country that Australia has to offer with ready access to Kimberley’s and the Bungle Bungles. The largest employer in the industry located here is Rio Tinto, who operates the Argyle Diamond Mine, employing around 750 people on a combination fly in, fly out and residential arrangement. The mine has produces 20 million carats annually since its inception in 1985 and is famous for ‘the pink diamond’.

Located along pristine coastline, Karratha is large and its facilities are modern. The city centre offers takeaway food outlets such as McDonalds and KFC, grocery stores Woolworths and Coles and boasts the largest shopping centre in the Pilbara, Centro Karratha. The centre has major good and grocery retailers and department store chains.

As a resident, you have the following facilities and services: • Kununurra District High School comprising a primary school and high school teaching up to year 10, and up to year 12 via distance education. It also has a number of additional smaller schools

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including St Joseph’s primary school and the Barramundi School. • Local hospital, birthing centre, emergency home and community care, dentist, occupational therapy, outpatients, paediatrics, pathology, physiotherapy, radiography, speech therapy and general surgery. • Library, leisure centre including a 25 metre pool and a range of playgroups. • Daily and weekly flight services between Darwin, Broome and Perth. Be aware that the climate can be extreme, with up to four months of high humidity and temperatures above 40 degrees. The other eight months are less so, with minimum temperatures of around 14 degrees and maximum around 30 degrees. Useful Links: http://www.kununurratourism.com/en/default.htm http://www.argylediamonds.com.au/ Mount Newman The founder of Mount Newman, Stan Hilditch went off in search of manganese in 1957 and instead discovered one of the largest mineral deposits of iron ore in Australia, located in the West Australian Pilbara region. Newman is now home to the largest open-cut iron ore mine in the world - BHP Billiton’s Mt Whaleback mine, measuring a staggering 5.5km in length.

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With a population of 7,000 people servicing the Mt Whaleback mine and smaller nearby mines plus a FIFO workforce numbering around 4000, BHP Billiton Iron Ore exports more than 124 million tonnes of iron ore from the region each year. Newman is located inland – 458kms south east of Port Hedland and more than 1,000kms north of Perth. Put simply, the town is remote! More than 200 days of the year are about 30C and nearly 30 days on average a year reach past the 40C mark. As you would expect of a remote residential mine site town, the town is a social hub and great for raising young families. Not only that, but you have the beautiful Marble Bar and Karajini National Park a short two hour drive away. Karijini National Park is a National Park centred in the Hamersley Ranges of the Pilbara region and is the second largest national park in Western Australia (the largest being Rudall River National Park). Million years of erosion have created the winding jagged gorges and beautiful swimming holes. The National Park has varying levels of hiking difficulty, from easy strolls along spectacular lookouts to paths among sheer rock cliffs crystal clear pools and cascading waterfalls. Useful links: http://newman-wa.org/index.php

Port Hedland

Tom Price

Located on the coast in WA’s Pilbara Region, Port Hedland is a busy industrial hub with all the facilities you’d expect in a town of 15,000 people.

Located just over 1600km north of Perth in the Pilbara region of WA, the 2770 population of Tom Price has a median age of just 29, reflecting the young workforce on Rio Tinto’s Tom Price mine and the town’s familyorientated community.

Likewise, Dampier Salt produces more than three million tonnes of industrial salt annually for export from solar salt ponds. Smaller companies export manganese, copper and tantalum. The town’s facilities and services include: • Five pre-primary schools, six public and private primary schools, Hedland Senior High School and two campuses of Pilbara TAFE. • Port Hedland Hospital, offering a stack of services (see link below). • The JD Hardie Recreation Centre: indoor and outdoor fitness activities and sports for all ages, a school holiday program for kids and special events during term time. Local activities include fishing, tennis, golf, whale and turtle spotting.

Facilities include a good-sized supermarket, bank, GP, hospital, two primary schools, a secondary school, TAFE and several motels and restaurants. There’s also a friendly visitor information centre, an Olympicsized pool, an open-air cinema in summer and a stack of sports on offer, from motocross and speedway to netball and soccer. Flight access is via shuttle bus to Paraburdoo Airport, 70km away. Mount Tom Price (the town, the mine and the mountain) takes its name from the vice-president of US steel company Kaiser Steel. Mr Tom Price was a major supporter of the opening of the Pilbara region. The region is also renowned for its explosion of colour during wildflower season each year.

BHP Billiton is the major employer, exporting 70 million tonnes of iron ore annually via its iron ore processing and shipping facilities. The company’s massive Mt Whaleback mine, 400km to the south of town, is the biggest single-pit, open-cut ore mine in the world.

Useful links: http://www.ashburton.wa.gov.au/visit-ashburton/ tom-price/

Useful links: http://www.porthedland.wa.gov.au/ http://www.phcci.com.au/

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COMMON MINING TERMS A ADIT - A passageway or opening driven horizontally into the side of a hill generally for the purpose of exploring or otherwise opening a mineral deposit. An adit is open to the atmosphere at one end, a tunnel at both ends. AERIAL TRAMWAY - A system for the transporting of ore or rock in buckets which are suspended from a cable. ALLOY - A compound of two or more metals, usually produced by fusion. AMALGAMATION- A process by which gold and silver are extracted from an ore by dissolving them in mercury. APEX - The top or terminal edge of a vein on the surface or its nearest point to the surface. ASSAY - To test ores or minerals by chemical or other methods for the purpose of determining the amount of valuable metals contained. ASSESSMENT WORK - The amount of work specified by law, which must be done each year to retain legal control of mining lands.

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AUTOGENOUS GRINDING - The process of grinding in a rotating mill which uses as a grinding medium large pieces or pebbles of the ore being ground, instead of conventional steel balls or rods.

B BACKSTOPE - The initial lift or slice when commencing to stope or mine from a drift. BALL MILL - A piece of milling equipment used to grind ore into small particles. It is a cylindrical shaped steel container filled with steel balls into which crushed ore is fed. The ball mill is rotated causing the balls themselves to cascade, which in turn grinds the ore. BASE METAL - A metal inferior in value to gold and silver, generally applied to the commercial metals such as copper, lead, etc. BEDROCK - Solid rock forming the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crust, frequently covered by overburden or water. BIT - The cutting end of boring instrument. In rock drilling, it is frequently made with ultra-hard material such as diamonds or tungsten carbide. BLAST HOLE - A hole drilled for purposes of blasting rather than for exploration or geological information. BLOCK CAVING - A cheap method of mining in which

large blocks of ore are under cut, the ore breaking and caving under its own weight.

around the mouth of a shaft; also used to describe the top of a drill hole.

BONANZA - Very rich ore, or situation.

CONCENTRATE - A product containing the valuable metal and from which most of the waste material in the ore has been removed.

BULLION - Metal in bars, ingots or other uncoined form.

CORE - The long cylinder of rock, about one inch or more in diameter, that is recovered by the diamond drill.

CORE BARREL - That part of a string of tools in diamond drilling in which the core specimen collects.

CAGE - The conveyance used to transport men and equipment in a shaft.

CROSSCUT - A horizontal opening driven across the course of a vein or structure, or in general across the strike of the rock formation; a connection from a shaft to an ore structure.

CATHODE - A rectangular plate of metal produced by electrolytic refining which is melted into commercial shapes such as ingots. CHANGE HOUSE - A special building constructed at a mine where the miner changes to his working clothes; also known as a dry house. CHUTE - An inclined opening, usually constructed of timber and equipped with a gate, through which ore is drawn from a stope into mine cars. CLAIM - A portion of mining land held under federal or provincial law. COLLAR - The term applied to the timbering or concrete

CRUSHER - A machine for crushing rock, such as a gyratory crusher, jaw crusher, stamp mill, etc. CYANIDATION - A method of extracting gold or silver by dissolving it in a weak solution of sodium cyanide.

BREAST - A working face, usually restricted to a stope.

DÂ DEVELOPMENT - Is the underground work carried out for the purpose of reaching and opening up a mineral deposit. It includes shaft sinking, cross-cutting, drifting and raising.

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DE-AREATOR TANK : This tank is used to process ore into gold in hard rock mining.

DRIFTER - A rock drill used for boring horizontal holes for blasting.

DIAMOND DRILL - A rotary type of rock drill in which the cutting is done by abrasion rather than percussion. The cutting bit is set with diamonds and is attached to the end of long hollow rods. The drill cuts a core of rock which is recovered in long cylindrical sections, an inch or more in diameter.

DRY HOUSE - A building where the miner changes to his working clothes.

DIFFERENTIAL FLOTATION - A milling process using the flotation process, by which concentrates are made of each of the various valuable minerals in an ore.

E EXPLORATION - The prospecting, diamond drilling and other work involved in searching for ore.

DILUTION - Waste of low grade rock which is unavoidably removed along with the ore in the mining process.

DIP - The angle at which a vein, structure or rock bed is inclined from the horizontal, measured at right angles to the strike.

FACE - As applied to a drift, crosscut or stope, is the end in which work is progressing.

DIP NEEDLE - A compass whose needle is mounted so as to swing in a vertical plane, used for determining the magnetic attraction of rocks.

FILTER PRESS - This is used to filter out impurities out of gold.

DRAG FOLD - Rock that has been folded or bent back on itself.

FINE GOLD - Almost pure gold. Fineness is the proportion of pure gold or silver in jewellery or bullion expressed in parts per thousand. Thus, 925 fine gold indicates 925 parts out of 1,000, or 92.5%, is pure gold.

DRIFT (DRIVE) - A horizontal passage underground that follow along the length of a vein or rock formation as opposed to a crosscut which crosses the rock formation.

FISSURE - An extensive crack, break or fracture in rocks.

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DUMP - A pile or heap of rock or ore on the surface.

FLOATATION - A milling process by which some mineral particles are induced to become attached to bubbles and float, and others to sink. In this way the valuable minerals are concentrated and separated from the worthless gangue. FLOWSHEET - The sequence of operations, step by step, by which ore is treated in a milling, concentration, or smelting process. FOOTWALL - The wall or rock on the underside of a vein or ore structure. FREE MILLING - Ores of gold or silver from which the precious metals can be recovered by concentrating methods without resort to roasting or chemical treatment.

G GAMMA - A unit of measurement of magnetic intensity. GANGUE - The worthless minerals associated with valuable minerals in an ore deposit.

GEIGER COUNTER - An instrument used in the search for radioactive minerals, particulary uranium, as it is capable of detecting (by means of a Geiger Mueller tube) the rays emanating from such minerals. It registers the frequency or intensity of these rays either visually (by dial or flashing light), audibly (by earphones) or both. GEOLOGY - The science concerned with the study of the rocks which compose the earth. GRIZZLY - A grating (usually constructed of steel rails) placed over the top of a chute or ore pass for the purpose of stopping the larger pieces of rock or ore. GROUTING - The process of sealing off a water flow in rocks by forcing thin cement slurry, or other chemicals into the cervices; usually done through a diamond drill hole. GRUBSTAKE - Finances or supplies of food, etc.,furnished a prospector on promise of some share in any discoveries he make. Inside Guide All right reserved 2014

FLOAT - Pieces of rock that have been broken off and moved from their original location by natural forces such as frost action or glaciers.

GUIDES - The timber along the sides of a shaft for the purpose of steadying, or guiding, the cage or conveyance.

H HANGING WALL - The wall or rock on the upper or top side of a vein or ore deposit.

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HIGHGRADE - Rich ore. Selective mining of the best ore in a deposit.

HIGHGRADED - One who steals rich ore, especially gold, from a mine.

LAGGING - Planks or small timbers placed along the roof of a stope or drift to prevent rocks from falling, rather than to support the main weight of the overlying rocks.

HOIST - The machine used for raising and lowering the cage or other conveyance in a shaft. HOST ROCK - The rock containing an ore deposit. HYDRAULIC - This describes a common method of mining in which water under pressure is used to cut away banks of gold-bearing gravels or overburden. Water is brought to the operation form a “head”; the water is then discharged into a pipeline, at the end of which is a nozzle called a “monitor” or a “giant”. By using the water provided, the overburden can be cut away to expose the gold-bearing gravels which are then sluiced, using the water provided.

J JAW CRUSHER - A machine in which the rock is broken by the action of moving steel jaws. JIG - An apparatus used in milling to concentrate ore on a screen submerged in water, either by a reciprocating motion of the screen or by the pulsation of water through it.

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LAUNDER - A chute or trough for conveying pulp, water or powdered ore in the milling process. LODE - A mineral deposit in solid rock.

M MILL - a) A plant in which ore is treated for the recovery of valuable metals. b) A machine consisting of a revolving drum, for the fine grinding of ores as a preparation for treatment. MILL HEADS - The average grade of ore fed into a mill. MILLING ORE - Ore that contains sufficient valuable mineral to be treated by milling process. MONITOR - An apparatus fitted with a nozzle and used to direct water under high pressure in order to remove overburden or to break down gold-bearing gravels in order to sluice them. Also known as a “giant”.

PORTAL - The surface entrance to a tunnel or adit.

POCKETS - These are cavities in the earth, filled with ore, or a rich deposit of gold.

NUGGET - A water-worn piece of precious metal, usually implying some size.

PROSPECT - A mining property, the value of which has not been proved by exploration.

O ORE - A mixture of ore minerals and gangue from which at least one of the metals can be extracted at a profit. ORE-BEARING - Rock that has some type of ore present in its composition.

PULP - A name for gold in the mining process. PYRITE - A hard, heavy, shiny, yellow mineral, being a sulphide of iron. It is sometimes called “fools gold”.

RAISE - A vertical or inclined underground working that has been excavated from the bottom upward.

PAN - To wash gravel or rock that have been ground in a pan to separate gold.

RAKE - The trend of an ore body along the direction of its strike.

PEBBLE MILL - A grinding mill similar in construction and action as a ball mill, but in which the charge is made up of hard pebbles in place of the more conventional steel balls.

REAMING SHELL - A component of a string of rods used in diamond drilling; it is set with diamonds, and placed between the bit and the core barrel to maintain the gauge of the hole.

PLACER - An alluvial deposit of sand and gravel containing valuable minerals such as gold.

RECOVERY - The percentage of valuable metal in the ore that is recovered by metallurgical treatment.

PLANT - A group of buildings, and especially to their contained equipment , in which a process or function is carried out; on a mine it will include warehouses, hoisting equipment, compressors, repair shops, offices, mill or concentrator.

ROCKBOLTING - The act of consolidating roof strata by means of anchoring and tensioning steel bolts in holes especially drilled for the purpose.

MOTHERLODE - The starting place or origin of a metal. A vein which contains the original metal “in place”.

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ROCK BURST - The sudden failure of walls or pillars in a mine caused by the weight of pressure of the surrounding rocks, and accompanied by a violent release of energy. ROD MILL - A rotating cylindrical mill which employs steel rods as a grinding medium.

S SAMPLE - A small portion of rock or mineral deposit, usually taken for the purpose of being assayed to determine possible content of valuable elements. SHAFT - A vertical or inclined excavation for the purpose of opening and servicing a mine. It is usually equipped with a hoist at the top, which lowers and raises a conveyance for handling men and material. SHAKER SCREEN - This screen filters out impurities in milling of gold. SKIP - A self-dumping type of bucket used in a shaft for hoisting ore or rock. SQUARE SET - A set of timbers used for support in underground mining, consisting of cap, girt and post. STATION - An enlargement of a shaft made of the level horizon used primarily for the storage and handling of equipment.

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STOCK PILE - Broken ore accumulated in a heap on the surface, pending treatment or shipment. STOPE - An excavation in a mine from which ore is being or has been extracted. SUMP - An excavation underground for the purpose of catching or storing water; the bottom of a shaft is commonly used for this purpose.

T TAILINGS - Material rejected from a mill after the recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted. TRAM - To haul cars of ore or waste in a mine. TROY OUNCES - A type of measurement for gold. A troy is different than an ounce. TUBE MILL - A piece of milling equipment consisting of a revolving cylinder half filled with steel rods or balls and into which crushed ore is fed for fine grinding; the material to be ground is mixed with water or other solution and comes out as a slurry. TUNNEL - A horizontal underground passage that is open at both ends; the term is loosely applied in many cases to an adit, which is open at only one end.

V VEIN - A fissure, fault or crack in a rock filled by minerals that have travelled upwards from some deep source.

WEDGE - As used in diamond drilling, refers to the placing of a wedge at some point in the hole for the purpose of deflecting the bit in another direction. WINZE - A vertical or inclined opening sunk from a point inside a mine. Similar to a shaft, but the latter starts at the surface.

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Section 4 – ABOUT TRAINING UNDERTAKING TRAINING LINKED TO A MINING JOB Whilst some companies will fund courses to obtain licenses and tickets, this typically won’t be the case for those breaking into the industry. Therefore, you will need to consider how you can best obtain the basic requirements in your own time and at your expense. Depending on what training you undertake you may be required to complete practical tests, written assignments, be questioned verbally and/or undertake written tests. All training and assessments should be carried out by a registered Training and Assessment company. Registered training providers are required to ensure that you have the knowledge, skills and competency to meet the criteria set out in the course. It is critical that your qualifications be nationally recognised.

MARCSTA Phone: 08 9355 1400 (Western Australia only) http://www.marcsta.com/ QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT Course held at Simtar Phone: 07 3810 6328 (Queensland only) http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/simtars.cfm/ HUET (Helicopter Underwater Emergency Training) Care Flight Safety - East Coast only http://www.careflightsafety.org.au/

To check that the training provider meets this requirement, visit the Australian National Training Authority website (http://training.gov.au/). Training that targets the operation of the equipment listed later in this section will always be highly beneficial.

HUET (Helicopter Underwater Emergency Training) RHO Aviation Training Services - East Coast only Email: info@rhoaviation.com.au http://www.rhoaviation.com.au

In Australia, we would suggest the following courses: FIRST AID COURSES/SAFETY INDUCTION ST JOHN Phone: 1300 360 455 http://www.stjohn.org.au/

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AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS Phone: 1300 367 428 Email: first aid@redcross.org.au http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_ acrossaustralia_firstaid_courses.htm Health and Safety Training Courses/Introduction to the Mining Industry

HUET (Helicopter Underwater Emergency Training) IFAP – Centre for Workplace Safety Training Solutions Perth and WA locations Ph: 08 9310 3760 http://www.ifap.asn.au/training/ser.html

It is strongly recommended that you also refer to your local Yellow Pages under “Training and Development” and on the internet to source locally run courses. Perth Challenger TAFE (Process Operator training for oil, gas, chemical and minerals industry) Ph: 08 9382 5790 The Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT) is the leading provider of process operations training offering Australian Qualifications Framework Qualifications for the Australian oil and gas, mineral and chemical processing industries. Hosted by Challenger TAFE on behalf of TAFEWA, ACEPT has been founded in collaboration with industry. An Industry Advisory Board comprising representatives from major operating and service companies in the resource sectors guides the Centre’s training program. ACEPT’s key course is the Certificate II in Process Plant Operations which is the basic qualification required to commence a career in process operations. The course is available in two formats, a full-time Centre-based format, and a workplace based format. The ten-week full-time course is for those new to process operation. For further information on this course, call the number or enquire online.

The workplace-based course is tailored for process operators who do not have the qualification, but have the skills. Two other Qualifications are also available for process operators currently working in process operations positions. These Qualifications are the Certificate III in Process Plant Operations and the Certificate IV in Process Plant Technologies. http://www.challengertafe.wa.edu.au/ TAFE Queensland Mining Services 192-208 Bolsover Street ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4700 Tel: 1300 653 050 +61 (07) 4920 2654 Fax: +61 (07) 4920 2645 http://www.cq.tafe.qld.gov.au/ - type Keyword «mining» in the field and search from the home page to generate a list of all relevant industry courses Mining Industry Skills Centre/Kinetic Group Courses available in Brisbane, Mackay and Hunter Valley. They offer training through modern underground and surface simulators. http://www.kineticgroup.org.au/

GENERAL INDUSTRY TRAINING COURSES

Australian Training Alliance Mining courses available throughout Australia in Mineral Process operations. http://australiantrainingalliance.com.au Eureka 4WD Training Unit 5, 42 Commerce Avenue

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Armadale WA 6112 Australia PO Box 720 Armadale WA 6992 ABN 15 122 599 008 http://www.eureka4wd.com.au/ Office: (08) 9497 5655 FAX: (08) 9497 4650 Mobile: 0419 047 322 Mining Courses available throughout Australia recommended by Australia’s Government Job Site (including truck driving, Blasting, Drilling and working with Explosives): https://jobsearch.gov.au/Training/ Type “mining” in the occupation field on the home page More Skills Australia (Queensland locations) Training for Scaffolding, Rigging, Dogging, Forklift, Crane and Elevated Work Platform http://www.moreskills.com.au/ Coastal Enterprises (Western Australia) http://www.coastalenterprises.com.au/scaffolding. html

APPRENTICESHIPS and TRAINEESHIPS A great way to get into the industry for people with no or limited experience, is to take up a trainee or apprenticeship program. Most of the major companies

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in the industry – Rio Tinto, Woodside, BHP Billiton, Barrick Gold, Santos, Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines – offer Apprenticeships and Traineeships and will typically advertise on their respective websites in around August/September each year. To obtain an Apprenticeship or Traineeship, companies will screen against the following criteria: • Satisfactory results in English, Maths and Science to a minimum of Year 10 level; • Enjoy practical and mechanical work and technical activities; • A commitment to safe working practices and the ability to work to safety guidelines; • An ability to work successfully as part of a team and to work independently; • A willingness and capacity to learn new skills; • Accountability for your actions and output; • An ability to work shift work; • An appropriate standard of health and fitness, and • No skin allergies or reactions to grease, oil or petrol. • Strength to handle materials, tools and machines; • Good hand-eye coordination. No apprentice under the age of 18 is permitted to work underground on a mine site. This is a requirement of the Mines Regulations, not the industrial training Act. This also applies to offshore work. An apprentice, if under the age of eighteen years, shall not be required to work overtime without his/her consent. The school leaving age rose to 17 years of age on 1

Seek further information from: http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/ http://www.det.wa.edu.au/apprenticentre/ Using contacts in the industry Talk to as many people as you can about your goals and work preferences; most companies continue to employ people through word of mouth. Companies offer current employees a ‘spotters fee’ for any new employee who is subsequently hired as a result of their referral (this is called an Employee Referral Program). This means current employees are on the look out for people they think have the skills, experience and personal attributes to join the company. Because employees only get paid for successful candidates, they will only refer those they believe have a very good chance at getting a job. Therefore, be mindful of the way you conduct yourself around others and the more people who know you ‘are on the market’, the better your chances. More Questions? Even with the relevant skills and industry experience, some will struggle to secure regular employment – why? Whilst there can be a number of reasons for this, how you conduct yourself on a job is the primary

reason. Employees who are well established and well respected in the industry, particularly those working in oil and gas – will readily advise their employer if they feel you don’t “pull your weight”, are unsafe to work with or generally difficult to get along with. When living in confined spaces for long periods, it is essential that you do your job competently and safely, and get along well with others. If not, your career could be short lived. Too many people do not understand the importance of this, and find that even though they have the tickets and some experience, they cannot get back onto another job. It is not uncommon for people to be ‘black listed’ by companies or other employees and whilst you may never exactly know that this is the case, you need to be extremely professional in the way you conduct yourself on and off the job. You also need to be clear about the industry’s drug and alcohol policy. Offshore, there is a zero tolerance to alcohol and drugs and may result in immediate dismissal if you return a positive result. In mining, some camps will have a bar (or wet mess as they are referred to), however random and daily drug and alcohol screening occurs on most mine sites. Should an employee be found to be positive on a drug and/ or alcohol test, they will be stood down until further notice and normally disciplinary action is taken. Depending on the severity of the finding, dismissal could occur.

January 2008, however undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship is an approved option.

There is the view that what happens outside of work is an individual’s own business and whilst this is true, you still need to be mindful that if you are well known by

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other workers and colleagues as a habitual drug user, this may be enough to ‘black list’ you from further jobs. Reasonably, individuals do not wish to work alongside someone who may be under the influence of drugs and be putting theirs and others lives at risk in such a dangerous environment. From a Recruiter’s perspective, this will be enough not to progress your application.

REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS A registered training organisation (RTO) in Australia is a vocational education organisation that provides students with training that results in Qualifications and statements of attainment that are recognised and accepted by industry and other educational institutions throughout Australia. Registered training organisations can be State and Territory government or privately owned training organisations. All registered training organisations in Australia and the Qualifications they are registered to deliver are listed on www.Training.gov.au. To become registered to deliver vocational education and training in Australia and deliver Australian Qualifications overseas, the training organisation must:

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1. Have legal access to, or own, an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification or nationally recognised short course, and 2. Meet the training delivery requirements of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). The AQTF has a set of standards that must be adhered to, and which then guarantees that the student is participating in training which meets Australian and industry accepted standards. The RTO will typically create units of a training program in consultation with industry employers. Consultation with industry guarantees that the proposed training is in line with industry and employer requirements. Registered training organisations can include TAFE (Technical and Further Education) colleges, adult and community education providers, private providers, community organisations, schools, higher education institutions, commercial and enterprise training providers, industry bodies, and other organisations meeting registration requirements. All registered training organisations are entered into the www.Training.gov.au database, allowing them to be properly monitored by the government. It is important to note, that all while the government does demand certain standards to be applied, RTOs differ in terms of the type of training and advice they can offer. There are now around 5,000 registered training organisations in Australia, with all of them providing

That said, it is strongly recommended that if you are about to embark on self-funded training to assist you to secure an entry level opportunity, or a next career step, in the industry that you only do so with a Registered Training Organisation.

AUSTRALIAN MINING AND OIL & GAS SCHOOLS Mining Education Australia Mining Education Australia is a national education joint venture between Curtin University of Technology, The University of New South Wales, The University of Queensland and The University of Adelaide offering one program; undergraduate education in mining engineering. West Australian School of Mines (Curtin) The Western Australian School of Mines (WASM); for over 100 years, WASM has offered degrees in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy, Applied Geology, Spatial Sciences and Exploration Geophysics. A major part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Curtin University, studies

can be undertaken at either the Bentley (Perth) or Kalgoorlie (regional WA) campuses. UWA School of Civil and Resource Engineering UWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Civil and Resource Engineering is based in Perth, Western Australia and is known for conducting a wide range of research projects in Civil and Resource Engineering. The school offers a range of undergraduate and post graduate programs in engineering and sciences. University of Queensland School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering The School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering combines a world-class reputation with more than 60 years of excellence to remain at the cuttingedge of engineering education, research and expert consultation. The School delivers a comprehensive program of teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate programs in aerospace, materials, mechanical, mechatronic and mining engineering studies. Inside Guide All right reserved 2014

slightly different services. For this reason, it is recommended that you do your own research to find which training program and delivery mode will best suit your requirements. You can search for information relating to your courseÂ and then try to match it with your local training provider.

The University of Adelaide School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering The School of Civil, Engineering (CEME) is Engineering, Computer and its undergraduate Engineers Australia.

Environmental and Mining a school of the Faculty of and Mathematical Sciences programs are accredited by

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University of New South Wales School of Mining Engineering The School of Mining Engineering at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is Australia’s leading mining engineering educational institution – with a proud history and dynamic forward vision for mining education. We are the largest provider of mining engineers, through our undergraduate program, financially supported and endorsed by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA). This MCA support comes through involvement in a unique national education partnership – Mining Education Australia (MEA), where we work collaboratively with the other three major mining universities in Australia. The support and close association with MCA ensures both the relevance and high academic standards of our program which delivers “globally-aware” mining engineers with a balanced combination of technical and management skills, together with appropriate social, cultural and community awareness.

University of Melbourne School of Engineering The Melbourne School of Engineering at the University of Melbourne was founded in 1861 and has an engineering community drawn from over 100 countries, consisting of 2,700 students in coursework programs (nearly 700 at the Masters level) and more than 500 students in research training. Challenger Institute’s Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT) Challenger Institute’s Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT) is the leading provider of process operations training, offering AQTF Qualifications for the Australian oil and gas, mineral and chemical processing industries. ACEPT operates from Perth, Western Australia. Developed from collaboration between industry and State and Federal governments, and led by an Industry Management Board comprising representatives from leading companies, ACEPT features state-of-the-art equipment and highly experienced training staff. ACEPT courses include:

University of Ballarat School of Science and Engineering The School of Science and Engineering is part of The University of Ballarat, Australia’s only regional, multisector University. Studies are undertaken at the Mt Helen, Ballarat campus, one of the oldest schools at the University.

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• • • •

Certificates II and III in Process Plant Operations Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology Certificate IV in Engineering (Instrumentation) Certificate II in Security Operations (delivered at Rockingham Campus)

Engineering cadetships are also available through ACEPT. Click here for more information.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Australian Catholic University • Australian Catholic University Website Australian National University • Australian National University Website University of Canberra • University of Canberra Website

NEW SOUTH WALES Australian Catholic University • Australian Catholic University Website Charles Sturt University • Charles Sturt University Website Macqaurie University • Macqaurie University Website Southern Cross University • Southern Cross University Sydney University of Technology • Sydney University of Technology Website

University of Sydney • University of Sydney Website University of Western Sydney • University of Western Sydney Website University of Wollongong • University of Wollongong Website

NORTHERN TERRITORY Charles Darwin University • Charles Darwin University Website

QUEENSLAND Bond University • Bond University Website Central Queensland University • Central Queensland University Website Griffith University • Griffith University Website

AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES

James Cook University • James Cook University Website Queensland University of Technology • Queensland University of Technology Website

University of New England • University of New England Website

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University of Queensland • University of Queensland Website

Deakin University • Deakin University Website

University of Southern Queensland • University of Southern Queensland Website

La Trobe University • La Trobe University Website

University of the Sunshine Coast • University of the Sunshine Coast Website

Monash University • Monash University Website

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology • Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Website

Adelaide University • Adelaide University Website Flinders University • Flinders University Website University of South Australia • University of South Australia Website

TASMANIA University of Tasmania • University of Tasmania Website

VICTORIA Australian Catholic University • Australian Catholic University Website Charles Sturt University • Charles Sturt University Website

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Swinburne University • Swinburne University Website University of Ballarat • University of Ballarat Website University of Melbourne • University of Melbourne Website Victoria University • Victoria University Website

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Curtin University • Curtin University Website Edith Cowan University • Edith Cowan University Website

Murdoch University • Murdoch University Website Notre Dame • Notre Dame University Website

University of Western Australia • University of Western Australia Website

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