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Entry-level mining roles when they come up, usually receive 1000’s of applications, so it can be difficult to secure a role. Find out how to get started with WorkPac and apply for entry-level roles.
Getting Started
Before applying for any roles, register with WorkPac on myWorkPac and complete the following steps:
- Fill out the My Info sections including:
- Uploading an up-to-date resume;
- Let us know your work preferences so we can best match you with roles – this involves letting us know your current/last role and industry, your preferred industry, and your preferred WorkPac office so we can assign you a recruitment coordinator; and
- Entering your relevant work history and providing at least two referees.; and
- If you are shortlisted for the role, a Recruitment Coordinator will contact you to discuss your application further.
Skills, Experience and Tickets
If you’re looking for entry-level/trainee roles, we do not recommend completing training courses as most clients will want to train you themselves. To work on a mine site, you may need:
- Standard 11 (QLD);
- Be able to pass a drug and alcohol test;
- Drivers Licence (requirements for this can differ from site to site);
- National Police Clearance; and
- Coal Board Medical (cost is covered by WorkPac, this is for coal mine sites only)
Beneficial Tickets/Licences
There are other tickets and licences that may give you an edge when applying for entry-level/trainee roles:
- Blue/White Construction Card;
- OH&S Tickets for Civil equipment i.e. Bobcat, Excavator, Roller etc.;
- Trades Papers/Licences;
- Skills List/Competencies;
- Working at Heights;
- Confined Spaces;
- Low Voltage/CPR; and
- RII Dump Truck Ticket
What you need to bring to an interview
If you do get an interview for an entry-level/trainee role, you must have:
- Completed the myWorkPac registration process;
- Uploaded your resume with two referees;
- Uploaded relevant tickets and licences;
- Uploaded your Right to Work documents;
- Standard 11 (if relevant and if you have it);
- Coal Board Medical (if current); and
- Black Coal Competency or Site Authority paperwork (if you have it).
Where are the roles?
WorkPac recruits for roles in mining in the below areas across Australia.
Coal Mining
- Biloela
- Blackwater
- Bowen
- Gunnedah
- Hunter Valley
- Mackay
- Moranbah
Iron Ore Mining
- Karratha
- Perth
- Tom Price
Other Mining
- Mt Isa
- Darwin
- Roxby Downs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to get a role in the mines?
Entry-level/trainee roles do come by rarely and usually receive 1000’s of applications, so it can be very difficult to secure a role. Therefore, persistence is the key to getting in, and it’s very important to build and maintain a relationship with your Recruitment Coordinator so that you stand out when roles do become available.
It’s also important to note that FIFO roles are generally offered to experienced operators. So, those able to live locally to a mine site or close enough to commit to DIDO (drive in drive out) / BIBO (bus in bus out) roles will have more opportunities.
Is there anything else that will give me an advantage?
Those who live in towns near mines and those willing to relocate for mining work will have a greater opportunity of getting into the industry.
We also recommend networking as best you can with those within the industry. Sometimes having a valuable contact on-site can secure you your first mining opportunity.
What is it like to work on a mine site?
This will vary a lot depending on the role and the location. Some roles require you to live in a regional or mining community near a site. While DIDO roles will require you to live within a reasonable driving distance of the site, often buses are provided from camp to get you to the mine site.
Shift rosters vary between sites but will generally operate on an “even-time” cycle (i.e. 4 days on/4 days off or 7 days on/7 days off), though some sites do have roster cycles that will require you to be away for extended periods of 2-3 weeks before returning home on a break.
What’s the difference between a Green/Entry-level Operator and a Traineeship?
Both are terms used for new-to-industry roles, in which no prior mining experience is required and since there isn’t assumed knowledge or experience you will receive training and mentorship on-site. However, the biggest difference between the two is that a traineeship is a formal training program, running over a set period with a clear end goal of earning a nationally accredited qualification.