For some people getting a job in the Australian mines can seem rather easy, almost like they just walk into it with no real effort. However, for most people who have no experiences working in such an environment, it can be a real struggle. If you are serious about a medium to long term career in the industry, the good news is that there are mining apprenticeship and traineeship programs offered by most mining companies.
This can be a great way of learning the basics, getting first hand experience on what it is like to work in the mines, as well as getting your foot inside the mining industry. While traineeship programs usually last six to twelve months, apprenticeships in the mines can last as long as two to four years to be completed.
If you want to be considered for an apprenticeship program, you must show your motivation, enthusiasm and interest in your chosen field, as well as present passing grades in secondary education and meet their physical fitness requirements. While detailed requirements may vary from one company to the other, what were stated above are the main key points that you should always keep in mind.
An apprenticeship in the mines you can jump start your career in the industry, as well as give you 2-4 solid years of work. Obviously the salary will be lower at the start, but you will learn that chances for a promotion and increase in the salary will be better as you work longer in the mines. And since apprenticeships are found in most areas of mining employment, you will find that there is most likely an apprenticeship in the field that you are looking to pursue.
How To Get An Apprenticeship In The Mines
There are basically four ways of finding and getting in an apprenticeship program in the mining industry, and each one is summarized below:
Know Someone Personally
If you know someone who is working in the mines, you can use it to your advantage since having connections can definitely help you look for jobs and programs offered by mining companies. Since working in the mines can sometimes be comparable to a boy’s club, making the most out of your connections can go a long way.
Search Jobs Websites & Local Newspapers
There are many websites offering job listings and openings of jobs in the mining industry. So if you are interested in getting accepted in an apprenticeship program, make sure that you check out these websites on a regular basis.
Mining Recruitment Companies
If you think you will be needing help in applying for an apprenticeship program, you may want to strongly consider getting help from mining recruitment agencies, since they have all the connections in different mining sectors, as well as focus on hiring skilled laborers for the mines.
Contact Mining Companies Directly
Aside from the three options mentioned above, the last method of getting an apprenticeship involves directly contacting the mining company of your choice. Since most companies nowadays have their own websites, you can check out their employment section and see if there are openings and apprenticeship programs available.
This can be a good option if you are looking to apply for a mature aged apprenticeship because there is less likelihood of you getting lost in a sea of younger applicants.
Finding apprenticeships in the mines can sometimes feel like a never ending battle but if you are committed to getting an apprenticeship, have a solid resume and make use of as many of the 4 strategies above, you will give yourself the best opportunity.
