There's been a 70% rise in the number of mining jobs advertised over the past year. What does that mean for you?
The mainstream media is finally reporting what Mining People International has been saying for months — the ‘greenshoots’ in the mining industry are seeing large numbers of job opportunities open up across the sector.
The ABC had a report this week outlining a 70 per cent rise in vacancies on one prominent job search website in May alone, compared to the same month in 2016.
“That completely tallies with what we’re seeing, too,” Mining People International general manager of executive and technical, Brad Thorp said.
“In WA in particular we’ve been dealing with a shortage of geologists for certain locations for quite some time — that’s always an early sign the industry is on the uptick. And we’ve really seen that flow through. We’re now seeing very high demand for mining engineers, metallurgists as well as skilled operators such as blast hole drillers.”
Across the country there are shortages of mechanical and diesel fitters, boilermakers, diesel mechanics, dragline operators and plant operators.
Those with mining skills and experience well-placed for work
The ABC’s report, by veteran industry reporter Babs McHugh, points to improving commodity prices as a reason for the improved jobs activity. But the report also notes that, in most states, those jobs are coming from parts of the industry — like coal and iron ore — where many jobs had been shed in recent years thanks to the downturn.
“Some of those businesses have started hiring again now,” Thorp said. “This, coupled with s steady gold price and demand for people coming from non-traditional commodities, such as lithium, has contributed to the increased demand for skilled people.”
“For those with skills and experience who have been waiting out the lull in the industry, if you want to get back on site, now is good time to get your resume up-to-date, renew any tickets or licences you might need, and start applying.”
Thorp said now that shortages in certain skilled areas have hit the mainstream media, many of those people who left the industry are likely to have the same thought — now’s the time to get back in.
If you’re looking for your next job opportunity, get in touch with Mining People International. Our team of expert mining industry recruiters are available to help you find your next role.