Industry Basics 101

Here are a few definitions and tips which will better explain how the industry works for those seeking an entry to the industry.

Operators; this term is used to identify who the operator of a mine site or oil and gas operation is.  This is typically a major industry employer such as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Santos and Woodside for example.  It can also be used to describe a ‘junior’ organisation that is seeking to get a major project off the ground.   Typically, the operator directly employs the permanent operational workforce.

Operators may also outsource different components of operation, eg the maintenance, camp site management or the operation (resource extraction and production).

Operational Contractors; organisations like HWE Mining, Downer EDI, Macmahon and Thiess often employ workforces for operations.  These workforces are usually permanent in nature and attract the same terms and conditions as other permanent employees in the industry.  They work on the Operator’s site but are employed by the contracting entity.

Camp Services; is typically managed by organisations such as ESS, Spotless and Morris Corporation.  They are charged with managing the contracts for cleaning, catering, site transportation and accommodation services.  All employment is directly with these organisations.  Watch for organisations like Greyhound too, who have many mine site transportation contracts and are often seeking drivers.

Maintenance; may be outsourced to organisations like Transfield Services, Thiess, United Resources, WDS and Monadelphous.  These arrangements may be a combination of permanent and contract work.

Construction; Operators will undertake a pre-feasibility assessment of a resource find, and will move through to a Final Investment Decision if feasibility is established.  This process can take years.  Even before a project is given the green light, however, different elements of the project construction is ‘packaged’ and released to industry providers to tender on.  This process ramps up once the green light is given and literally hundreds of work packages are released for tender.  Packages can be anything from the supply of specific components or equipment to major civil and technical works.  Work packages are released on websites like Project Connect (http://www.projectconnect.com.au/).

Construction Contractors; the employment opportunities are then with those who are awarded specific work packages.  These may range from the construction of camp accommodation, to painting and steel fixing to construction of roadways. 

EPCM; this refers to the Engineering, Procurement and Contract Management component of a project.  There is typically an EPCM contractor appointed who quite often manages a number of sub-contracts awarded to other providers, in order to deliver the overall contract requirements.

Offshore construction; the majority of the work goes to Brunel for manning offshore pipeline construction.  Whilst the barge and equipment may be owned by another operator, typically the manning does happen through Brunel.  Other organisations to watch are OMSA and Mermaid Marine.

Recruitment agencies; may be engaged by operators, or construction or operational contractors to source candidates for all disciplines and levels across the industry.  It is important to understand that recruitment agencies are nearly always advised to hire candidates with direct industry experience.  This is for two reasons.  Firstly, their client will have advised them to hire experienced and secondly, if an operator wants to offer entry level opportunities, they will more often do this through their own recruitment process.  That being said, if you are trade or professionally qualified or have general experience that aligns with the job requirements, you should apply.

In many cases, recruitment agencies are preferred suppliers to specific organisations for both temporary (contract) and permanent staff hire.  It’s important to keep watch around which agencies recruit for which organisations to ensure you don’t miss an opportunity.  For example, Chandler Macleod is the preferred supplier for contract labour for a number of BHP Billiton assets.