Mining jobs how to get in on the action

Mining jobs how to get in on the action Mining jobs how to get in on the actionPosted October 13, 2011, by Aziza GreenThe Australian mining industry is currently one of the most dynamic industries in the world. With an average annual growth rate of 8.5 per cent, our mining sector is expected to generate revenue of approximately $208.9 billion in 201112, up from $138.8 billion in 200607. With the mining sector set to make up around 8.2 per cent of Australias GDP in 201112, its creating jobs and helping to keep the economy afloat. No surprise, then, that more and more Australians are looking for ways to break into this thriving industry. The Australian mining industry is one of the top five producers of key mineral commodities in the world. This growing industry, which also happens to have one of the best industrial safety records, provides direct employment to over 135 000 people. When you include those indirectly employed in the industry, this figure stands at over 320 000 people, a nd forecasts estimate that it will add another 170 000 jobs over the next five years.So how does one break into a stable and profitable career in this booming sector? What are the kinds of jobs available and what do you need to do to get them?To begin with you will need to decide if you want to enter the field as a professional or in a trades/operations capacity. Targeting and researching a specific position in the industry is crucial to getting your foot in the door so you can get the necessary qualifications and market yourself appropriately. You may need professional help with your resume or enrol in a course to polish up your skills. Professionals are tertiary qualified, usually with the minimum award of a bachelors degree in a specific field of study. Trades/operations workers are either skilled people who have received vocational training in a specific trade, or labourers with relevant training and experience. ProfessionalsThe mining sector encompasses the exploration, mining and processing of minerals, so there is a plethora of scientific, technical and engineering roles involved. GeoscientistIn the context of mining, geoscientists are the experts who explore and evaluate the earth to locate minerals. Geoscientists also advise on methods of mineral extraction, environmental protection and rehabilitation of land after mining.Extractive metallurgistMetallurgists are the professionals who study and apply physical methods for separating minerals from their ores. Some of the methods used to extract minerals include electrical, magnetic, gravitational and chemical methods. If you have a science degree you can get a Graduate Diploma in Extractive Metallurgy to give you a strong start in your professional mining career.SurveyorMine surveyors are employed to measure underground and surface mines. They maintain an up-to-date plan of the mine as a whole, including underground progress as well as surface developments such as new buildings or structures. It is thei r job to ensure that mine development stays clear of old mines and other obstacles. EngineerEngineering professionals are crucial to the building and operation of mine sites. Civil or structural engineers are the professionals who plan, design and oversee construction of building structures, transportation systems or hydraulic systems. Electrical engineers focus on the systems that generate, distribute, use and control electrical power. Environmental scientistEnvironmental professionals are responsible for applying scientific principles to develop ways of minimising harm to the natural environment. This may involve analysing pollutants, their sources and effects, as they relate to or are produced by mining. It may also involve finding solutions to rehabilitate land, water and air affected by mining, such as designing processes to treat waste.Other professionals that work in miningMines are complex businesses as well as communities, so they require a pool of professionals with a rang e of skills to cover all the areas. behauptung include not only other types of engineers mechanical, geological/geophysical and electronic, to name a few but also accountants, project managers, transport logistics experts, health and OHS professionals, human resources, lawyers and community relations, amongst others. If you are a recent graduate looking for an entry-level position, you may need to enter an internship program or a specialised graduate diploma or a masters degree in order to break into the industry.Tradespeople/operations workersElectricianElectricians deliver electricity to buildings, structures and machinery by installing and maintaining electrical systems. Electricians are employed by the mining industry to ensure that electricity is always available to the various parts of the mines and accommodation areas.Mechanic (diesel and plant)Mechanics are needed to maintain diesel vehicles and equipment as well as plant equipment in the mining industry, ensuring that they operate safely and efficiently. Mechanics on a mine are required to diagnose, repair, tune and maintain diesel and petrol or gas powered heavy vehicles, as well as stationary engines on equipment such as generators, pumps and strenge ausbildunging rigs.Metal fabricatorWorking as a fabrication engineering tradesperson involves making parts or sub-assemblies by cutting, shaping, moulding and hammering metal. Equipment used includes hand-held tools, welding equipment or computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Some of the metal fabrication tradesperson positions available in mining include welders, boilermakers (heavy fabrication) and sheetmetal workers (light fabrication).DrillerDrillers set up and operate drilling rigs to drill holes for mineral exploration. Drillers also operate equipment related to the activity around drilling and may be responsible for minor maintenance and repairs.Equipment operatorIt takes a multitude of heavy duty equipment to keep a mine site productive and functional. Equipment operators are responsible for the safe use of vehicles or equipment to carry out required or specialised tasks such as bulldozing, excavating or bogging (transporting waste rock and soil or ore from one area to another). Some of the equipment operator positions available in mining include jumbo operators, bogger operators, excavator operators, bulldozer operators, grader operators and scraper operators.ShotfirerA shotfirer is responsible for the assembly, positioning and safe detonation of explosives in mines to dislodge rock and soil. This job requires basic skills in mathematics and science, training and an up-to-date shotfirers licence.Truck driverThis is one of the most sought-after positions in the mining industry. To work as a truck driver on a mine site you will need to have the relevant licences and training or experience. If you are looking to train as a truck driver, be sure that the organisation you train with is a registered training organisa tion (RTO). The following qualifications can improve your chances of finding work as a truck driver heavy rigid (HR) vehicle licence and some

Top 5 Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Top 5 Interview Questions and How to Answer ThemTop 5 Interview Questions and How to Answer ThemTop 5 Interview Questions and How to Answer Them1. Tell me about yourself.Dont tell them about your favorite hobbies, health issues, or how much you enjoy playing video games. This is your cue to provide a brief overview (no more than one or two minutes) of the aspects of your experience and background that relate to the position. Tell them about some accomplishments you felt really good about, and how you think they prepared you for the position youre interviewing for.Example I have six years of advertising industry experience, and spent the past three years as the Assistant Production Manager at ABC Corp. overseeing production schedules, staff hiring, and deadlines. During that time, I streamlined the workflow so that we were able to meet the deadline for every monthly print project, and in many cases we went to print well before the actual deadlines. Our efficiency saved the company two weeks worth of staff overtime and expenses. Time management is one of my greatest skills, and Im koranvers it that would easily transfer to the Production Manager position youre offering here.2. What do you think is your greatest weakness?Dont say anything that could eliminate you from consideration for the job. For instance, Im slow in adapting to change is not a wise answer, since change is par for the course in most work environments. Avoid calling attention to any weakness thats one of the critical qualities the hiring manager is looking for. And dont try the old Im a workaholic, or Im a perfectionist.The best way to answer this question is honestlymention a real weakness that wont affect your ability to do the job, or address a skill that you are just learning and want to develop.Example Im not as strong as Id like to be on social media, so Im spending about three hours a week blogging on topics Im interested in, and reading some perspectives on the business-to-business value of social media. Im already learning some things I can bring here, and hope to find more ideas on how to use social media as a customer relationship tool.3. What did you like least about your last (or current) job?Dont vent or focus on the negative with brutally honest answers such as My boss was a jerk, or The company culture was too politically correct, or They just werent giving me the opportunity to take my career to the next level. Instead, keep the emphasis on the positive, even though there are sure to be things you werent happy about.Example Thats a tough question to answer. Ive had lots of opportunity at ABC Company and I work with some outstanding people. I guess if I had to zupflmmel one thing, it would be the occasional meeting that goes an hour longer than normal. I like to get stuff done and work with people and that extra hour could have let me to get back to a client more quickly.4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?Believe it or not, this question is really disgu ised as Could I count on you to stay with this company long term?Since no one knows exactly where theyll be five years from now, the best way to answer this is with a reply that says you hope to be well established as someone who is helping that company succeed. You can also turn the question back to the interviewer, and ask where they see the company in five years. You might not know on a personal level where youll be, but most companies have goals and plans that look ahead two to five years. Their answer might give you a good idea if its a company worth sticking around that long for.5. Tell me about a time you failed.Everyone has failed, so dont play dumb or claim youve never messed up. Think of a time when a work-related situation didnt turn out quite as you had hoped. An interviewer is interested in seeing how you took responsibility for your failure, what you learned from it, and how you would prevent similar failures from happening again.ExamplesI once rushed a project to make a shipping deadline but inadvertently skipped a couple of critical steps. Fortunately we discovered the mistake before the customer installed the products, but they werent pleased. I never made that mistake again.I thought my aggressive sales tactics were a great quality until I lost a client for being too pushy. Ive since learned to tone things down and really listen to my clients and understand their needs before determining how to help them.