47 per cent of employers intend to increase permanent staff levels in the 2019/20 financial year, according to recruitment firm Hays’ annual Salary Guide.
Hays indicates that renewed optimism across Australia’s resources and mining sector is driving up vacancy activity as large and mid-tier miners all ramp up production and record numbers of bulk carriers head out of port.
Iron ore and gold prices remain strong and emerging commodities present exciting new possibilities. Given this, the range of available jobs is extensive.
Western Australia
Hays highlights that rising vacancy activity is a clear reflection of the market’s optimism, but it also brings challenges as it reignites skill shortages.
The Minerals Council of Australia has already warned of skill shortages by the end of the decade, while the Chamber of Minerals and Energy predicts 20,000 local jobs to be created this (2019/20) financial year. Given this, staffing demand is forecast to only trend upwards, particularly in the Pilbara and the Goldfields region.
A further increase in exploration spending fuels continuing demand for available Exploration Geologists and Field Assistants. However, these candidates are in increasingly short supply.
Demand for these skills is particularly high from companies looking for base metals as this remains a key focus in the local market.
The supply of Underground Engineers has never been great. With many gold companies believing the future of their production is underground, demand continues to grow. With gold mines continuing to increase production and come out of care or maintenance, in addition to the resurgence of nickel mines, candidates with solid experience remain in very high demand.
Other skills in demand include Drill and Blast Operators with experience in Pit Vipers, T45, L7s and 1100 drill rigs, Auto Electricians (given the rise in automation), and Dump Truck Operators are highly sought after as well.
Queensland
Queensland’s mining industry is expected to continue to create strong demand for technical professionals over the period, including Mining Engineers, Geotechnical Engineers, Geologists and Surveyors with underground experience.
Hays states that the industry’s growth has directly translated into increased demand for professionals within mineral processing, including Metallurgists and Lab Technicians.
Experienced Drill and Blast Operators, Auto Electricians and Heavy Diesel Fitters are also in short supply.
In fact, contractors are now looking to recruit overseas candidates and Fitters from similar industries, such as agriculture, to meet demand.
South Australia
Hays has noted that Electrical Engineers with HV design experience in 11kv to 132kv primary and secondary systems are in high demand since a number of energy sites are currently under construction and connecting to the grid.
Control System Engineers with heavy industry experience in programming PLC and SCADA systems are scarce. Demand has been from contracting firms for the major mining sites with FIFO and residential roles available.
Mechanical Fitters and Boilermakers were in even greater demand over the past six months as companies continue to increase headcount and expansions take place across multiple sites in the state.
Demand has risen for Heavy Diesel Fitters with experience in mobile and fixed plant machinery. Given the increase in production and transport, there is a shortage of skilled workers.
Northern Territory
Strong optimism continues to fuel demand for Heavy Diesel Fitters with experience on specific machinery such as CAT, Komatsu and Liebherr.
Refrigeration Technicians are required across several sites in the Territory given Australia’s harsh regional climate, however there is a shortage of suitable candidates.
All-round Operators are in demand too. Sites require candidates with broad experience operating dozers, excavators and articulated dump trucks.
Maintenance Planners/Schedulers and Project Managers are highly sought after as production on mine sites ramps up.
As there has been a ramp-up in exploration activities being carried out in the Northern Territory since the fracking ban was lifted, Field Assistants and Geologists are in demand.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, Underground Mine Managers and their deputies in coal are required in response to an increase in operations.
Electrical Design Engineers are also expected to be in demand due to ongoing advancements in mining equipment, such as anti-collision and automation, as well as the continued focus on safety legislation.
Boilermakers, Mechanical Fitters, Underground Electricians and Drill Fitters remain in demand across all mining sectors in the Hunter and Western regional areas of the state.
Surveyors and Geologists are sought after as mines across the state ramp up production.
Victoria
Hays notes that Victoria’s resources and mining market has been growing and has experienced a very high demand for candidates in areas that are already suffering from skill shortages.
Victoria’s mines and quarries are producing large amounts of resources and there has been an increase in blue-collar vacancy activity.
Employers are aware of the shortage of candidates, particularly blue-collar workers, and have been seen to move very quickly when a suitable candidate becomes available.
In addition, reliable and experienced quarry workers, from Superintendents and Quarry Managers to trades and general labour, are required for local businesses as well as larger corporations.
Also in demand are Diesel Mechanics and Boilermakers following the introduction of EBA rates on rail and major infrastructure projects. As a result, these candidates are remaining with their current employer.
Consequently, it is likely employers will consider Diesel Mechanics and Boilermakers from the manufacturing industry or with a service background.
Once again, employers are moving quickly as they are aware that failing to do so results in missing out on their preferred candidate.
Lastly, the increased volume of construction projects in Victoria is forecast to attract candidates from the resources and mining market, further adding to the mining skill shortage.