VIC

The demand for specific engineering and trade skills remains high, according to a new report from Hays.

The recruitment firm’s latest quarterly report shows miners in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia, and some parts of New South Wales are now paying top dollar for Engineers, Boilermakers and Fitters.

The report, however, also cites that whilst there were shortages for some workers,  applicants still needed to fit strict selection criteria.

Following a number of studies on the effectiveness of having candidates and employees complete a Mine Workers Health Assessment, the government this week announced that the Assessment is no longer required to be done, effective 12 January 2013.

The following provides an overview of the Assessment and what this means for employers, candidates and employees.

What is health surveillance?

A number of reports emerged this year citing the growing issue of the ever-expanding waistlines of those working across Australian resource sector site. 

According to health experts three-in-four workers in the mining industry are overweight, with Queensland mining town Mount Isa a chronic disease hotspot.

So bad is the issue in some areas, that miners at a Bowen Basin mine were stood down this year and told their weight must be under 120kg before they would be allowed to return to work.

Newcrest Unearthed: The Gold Within. Story by Elaine Bellamy

Newcrest Unearthed: The Gold Within. Story by Chan Geevaratne.

The National Apprenticeships Program initial 18 months pilot has been extended by the Federal Government for another 18 months.

John Holland has also agreed on their first intake of 25 for their Minerals and Industrial business and this intake is underway.  This first national campaign intake will focus on trades such as Electrical, Mechanical Fitter and Heavy Metal Fabrication Boilermaker/Welder. MIGAS Apprentices and Trainees a Queensland GTO, is the nominated Supporting GTO for this John Holland intake.  

The Resource Channel, has received the ‘Community Interaction of the Year’ award for its Regional Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) Hub Initiative for the south east of South Australia.

Managing Director of The Resource Channel, Jody Elliott, says the award is a positive recognition of the FIFO Hub model, which has proven it can provide a highly cost effective and practical mechanism to engage Australians in the resource sector from regions that may not otherwise have that chance.

The work environment and experiences of employees have a significant impact on job satisfaction, commitment, productivity and the general quality of work and personal life.

Pittsburgh boilermaker Charles Stella immigrated to Australia for a coveted mining-industry job, fulfilling a dream he held for years. His one-year contract pays a six-figure salary. Here are edited diary excerpts of Mr. Stella's experience...

A project has been launched in Australia to encourage more women, including those from overseas to seek jobs with us at Rio Tinto.  Our "Digging for Diversity" recruitment programme aimed at diversifying our workforce and educating women about employment opportunities in the mining industry.