The $150k jobs that Aussies are snubbing: ‘Thousands’ of high-paying roles available – but recruiters are struggling to fill them
There are thousands of mining jobs available across Australia that pay more than $150,000 a year, but employers struggle to fill them, partly because of negative attitudes towards the industry.
Despite the uncertainty about the future of mining, the industry continues to thrive, creating a demand for workers, many in entry-level positions.
Jobs are even open to people who have never worked in mining but are willing to get an education.
Entry-level positions generally pay less than $100,000, but salaries can be as high as $150,000 and more if the employee can perform satisfactorily and complete training.
Mining recruiter Shaun McCambridge, director of Stellar Recruitment, told Daily Mail Australia that salaries in the mining industry average $148,000 a year, which is better than most other industries.
“There are currently over 7,000 jobs advertised on Seek for the mining sector across Australia and the average earnings are $148,000 a year, the highest of any sector.
“If you’re willing to work hard, there’s never been a better time to get into mining.
“If you want to tackle the affordability crisis there, a career in mining is a great way to get ahead.
Despite the uncertainty about the future of mining, the industry continues to thrive, now creating a demand for workers, many of them in entry-level roles, allowing workers to advance into high-paying jobs after training.
More women than ever are working in mining in Australia as the demand for workers continues
He blamed the “stigma” on mining and a lack of awareness for the difficulty of filling the roles.
“One of the other challenges is there’s probably a stigma around the industry at the moment, which in many cases is probably wrong,” said Mr McCambridge.
A slew of mining recruiters have advertised for internships, including dump truck drivers, bench/shotgunner assistants, borehole and rig maintenance, while electrical and mechanical apprentices are also available.
Stellar Recruitment said qualified heavy vehicle, auto electricians and diesel mechanics can earn up to $250,000 a year, while excavator operators can earn $180,000.
Mr McCambridge said the roles often include accommodation, meals and various types of bonuses such as ‘sign-on’ bonuses, which are often lump sums paid to new employees in addition to hourly wages.
Recruiters say there’s never been a better time to land a mining job
Mining features often include accommodation, meals and various types of bonuses such as ‘sign-on’ bonuses, which are often lump sums paid to new employees in addition to hourly wages
Last year, mining company Thiess offered a $10,000 sign-up bonus for new hires and $5,000 bonuses for successful referrals.
The downside is that the jobs often include 12-hour shifts to seven-day shifts and are physically demanding.
Workpac recruitment is currently advertising “physically fit, enthusiastic employees” for a banger bench traineeship.
‘As a Trainee Bench Hand/Shotfirer Assistant, you will be training on the mine site in the mine, in the hot sun, performing manual controls for 12 hour shifts on a 7/7 schedule.
‘The role is physically demanding, but very rewarding and gives you a foot in the door to work for a world leading mining supplier.’
All that is required is a “positive, team-oriented attitude,” a history of working outside the home in “physically demanding” jobs, the ability to pass drug and alcohol tests, and a security clearance to work with explosives.
Heavy, strict driver’s licenses are preferred but not essential.
Once the internship is complete, the job pays $115,000.
Despite the reluctance of some young Australians, the number of people joining the industry continues to rise due to continued demand for raw materials around the world.
Australia’s two main mineral resources are iron ore (from 29 mines) – 97 percent of which is extracted in WA – and coal (over 90 mines), mainly extracted in Queensland and NSW.
Last year, 7,689 apprentices and interns joined the mining industry, a 19 percent increase from the previous year, involving more women than ever before.
There are also more women working in mining than ever before. According to the Minerals Council of Australia, female participation has increased from 19 per cent in November 2021 to 21 per cent in February 2022.
Much of the work is available in underground and open pit mines in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin, home to Australia’s largest coal reserves.
The area contains some of the world’s largest deposits of black coal, which is mainly used for electricity generation and in the steel industry.
In May, Bowen Boking Coal promised ‘more good jobs’ after reopening the Burton Complex, northeast of Moranbah, and the Broadmeadow East mine.
There are now thousands of jobs available in the mining sector. Stock image of a miner in front of a copper mine in NSW
Much of the work is available in underground and open pit mines in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin, home to Australia’s largest coal reserves. Photo, stock image of a coal mine
Despite opposition from environmentalists, the Albanian government on May 31 approved a new coal mine in the region at Isaac River Mine near Moranbah, which is expected to create an additional 200 jobs by 2024.
Bowen Coking Coal told its investors that the mine “will produce high-yield, high-quality metallurgical coal of up to 500,000 tons per year for approximately five years.”
“Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and the project is expected to create 200 steady-state mining jobs.”
According to the Queensland Resources Council, the resource sector is the driving force behind the state’s economy, contributing $94.6 billion in 2021-2022 and supporting over 450,000 jobs.