Mining jobs will be thin on the ground in the first quarter of 2015, however boilermakers, welders and diesel mechanics with experience in mining are still in demand, according to the latest Hays Jobs Hot Spot report.
The report says, “The rapid decline in iron ore prices in recent weeks has had an impact on overall sentiment in the mining sector in Western Australia, with the Government recently announcing potential royalty relief for smaller operators in order to help them adjust to the new market conditions.”
“Expect subdued employment levels as a result this quarter.”
However there was some slightly more positive news in NSW coal;
“Candidate levels remain high, however mining related businesses are finding it difficult to find good tradespeople, in particular Boilermakers, Welders and Diesel Mechanics with relevant mining equipment experience,” the report says.
“With coal prices holding steady, employers in New South Wales are looking at ways to optimise their business operations and maintain staff numbers. There has been a significant increase in contract recruitment as organisations look to utilise the services of agencies to employ technical experts for short to medium-term contracts. ”
“Recruitment activity in South Australia remains subdued due to lower commodity prices leading to lower production and maintenance activity levels across the board.”
“In Queensland employers require candidates to have all inductions completed prior to starting in a role. Employers can be more specific with their requirements given candidate supply. For candidates it is still a case of speaking to people (recruiters included) to secure your next role. ”
“There have been many redundancies made in order to align operations with new company business plans. The redundancies are resulting in temporary contract positions being offered back to those who were made redundant.”
Mining Job Hotspots: State by State
NEW SOUTH WALES:
Maintenance Planners – Planners with mobile and fixed plant experience are highly sought after to maximise the performance of maintenance crews.
Boilermakers and Welders – Qualified Tradespeople with heavy fabrication experience are sought in New South Wales.
Plant Mechanics – Demand remains high for qualified Tradespeople with underground diesel equipment experience.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
E&I Technicians – As many Electrical and Instrumentation Technicians have moved over to oil and gas for longer rosters and better rates, there is a shortage of these skilled candidates.
Mechanical Fitters – The need to make constant mechanical upgrades has fuelled demand for Mechanical Fitters. Owner operators taking over from contractors and shutdown contracts have also added to this demand.
Gold Process Technicians – These Technicians are staying in their current roles due to concern about commodity prices and the market overall.
Shutdown Tradespeople – There is currently a lack of tradespeople with industry tickets and few are available as they are staying in their current roles.
Shutdown Planners – This is a high pressure position and therefore few candidates pursue a career in this field. It is also challenging for employers to find a trade qualified planner who is computer literate.
Reliability Engineers – Most Mechanical Engineers pursue a career in projects or design, creating a shortage of Reliability Engineers.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA:
Underground Mechanical Engineers – There is a shortage of Underground Mechanical Engineers as a large number of South Australian candidates are occupied interstate on oil and gas projects.
Welding Supervisors – Due to the increase in interstate oil and gas construction projects, senior South Australian Welders have been lured away to work in Queensland or Western Australia, creating a shortage in this state.
Project Managers – Multiple interstate companies are winning contracts in South Australia and require local candidates with underground experience to fill these roles.
QUEENSLAND
Diesel Fitters FIFO – The opening of new FIFO mines has created a need for quality Diesel Fitters.
Process Engineers – Candidates with extensive processing plant experience are highly sought after. Process Engineers are needed to optimise the operation of plants and keep their downtime to a minimum.
Mechanical Maintenance Supervisors – These senior maintenance technicians are needed to keep field and fixed plant equipment running smoothly.
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