Who works in the mines and what doing

[pottery beige]

yep.. its living the dream.....

[Hords]

Well finally got through all 32 pages of this brilliant read and a lot have contributed some good info. Not only about breaking through, but probably more importantly, what to expect once onsite. A bit funny how the originator of this thread didn’t hang around for long.

There is one type of position that I didn’t see get a mention; Maintenance Planner.

About half way through this thread I PM’d one regular poster here about his thoughts on my position and I was left encouraged. Having said that though, I’d appreciate more opinions from those in the field. Please don’t hold back good or bad…

My employment history:
26 years in aviation with TAA, this became Australian Airlines, which merged with Qantas.
1986-90: Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Powerplant)
1990-99: Working my trade in the Engine Overhaul Shop (CFM56-3 Gas Turbines)
1999-01: Engine Production Planner
2001-Pre: Line Maintenance Aircraft Scheduler ensuring compliance for a fleet of 80 Boeing 737 Qantas and customer aircraft.

I do enjoy my job, along with the coin, but we’re in the process of being made redundant. The Australian aviation scene in regards to maintenance is declining and my transitional skill set is limited. I don’t want to go into manufacturing.

On top of this, Qantas uses a CMMS unique to itself. I am pushing our HR department to provide an overview course on SAP for myself and some of my colleagues that see a need for it but costs are prohibitive. Minimum class of 4 at around $1500 a day each for 5 days. HR has indicated that those costs are within their realm for external training so I’m going to keep at them.

Sorry to be long winded and as before, your opinion and advise will be appreciated.

[Polyal]

Hords when I was in Maintenance over the summer, albiet only for a few months, I noticed the guys next to me using SAP. Is that what you are talking about?

[Hords]

Right on the money Allen.

A very universal maintenance management program it appears.

[svo347]

BHPBilliton use sap. Seems everything down job time confirmations subsequents etc for those in the know is the way companies run everything nowadays. I have done sap for supervisors and found it has Serious Applicaton Problems lol.

[rvsm]

i too am an employee of the above company AME Avionics and am looking to retrain due to the decline.

[05_ENFORCER]

Sap and Pronto are the main ones in W.A, whilst there are numerous others about.

Microsoft Excel, Projects, Outlook and Word are also a pre requisite for this type of employment.

Experienced planners in W.A can obtain in excess of $150K + extras, working in an office environment


If I was only so smart


.

[rvsm]

is it true that some mines have jet engine to move airinto the shafts? i could be useful maintaining those.

[05_ENFORCER]

It may be close to a jet engine and maybe similar in construction but they are totally different in many differing ways.

Some examples: there are single/twin/multistage compound axial 1000 V underground vent fans right up to, and above, monsterous centrifugal 33KV vent/supply fans through raise bore holes.

It's a whole new ballgame with many things to learn.

If you have any quals worth noting in maintenance planning, I urge you to contact the labour hire mobs and have a chat.

You'll never know until you give it a go (my motto)

.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by 05_ENFORCER

Sap and Pronto are the main ones in W.A, whilst there are numerous others about.

Microsoft Excel, Projects, Outlook and Word are also a pre requisite for this type of employment.

Experienced planners in W.A can obtain in excess of $150K + extras, working in an office environment


If I was only so smart


.

Hmm maybe I should not both with Mech Eng and sit on my backside..hehe..

From what I saw you dont have to be a genius, just know a site, machinery etc and know when to schedule things. Which is easy when manufacturers tell you when to do so anyway.

Also statutory stuff is all done weekly, fortnightly, etc etc..just when stuff goes wrong you have to change the plan..which I guess is often..still I reckon I could have picked it up.

Although Ive got a feeling I would have gotten bored pretty quick.

But like you say, good coin for what you do. Hords if you know roughly how to use SAP then you shouldnt find it to hard to get in. when I was there they hired 3 people just for that.

[Hords]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Hords if you know roughly how to use SAP then you shouldnt find it to hard to get in. when I was there they hired 3 people just for that.

HR rep is back for another meeting with us in Melbourne this Thu. I'll definately keep the pressure up for a course.

Did the 3 employed to use SAP have any previous mining experience?

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Hords

HR rep is back for another meeting with us in Melbourne this Thu. I'll definately keep the pressure up for a course.

Did the 3 employed to use SAP have any previous mining experience?

I think 2 of them did, but very little. They needed people who knew the program, not so much mining in general. You pick up on that stuff soon enough.

Like Enforcer was getting at, alot of site I would dare say have people who are good with mining but not so good with the software side.

Doesnt hurt to email/call the companies and inquire anyway.

[Hords]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Doesnt hurt to email/call the companies and inquire anyway.

I'll be taking a leaf out of your book then and creating a spreadsheet. At the moment I'm trying to get a feel for this. Also, current work wise, they have still not provided a termination date.

On a side note. I still got that black T series polo I ot from you

[BlackXR8]

This thread is full of very useful information, It has helped me gain employment in the mining industry.
It is true that it is not what you know but who you know that will eventually get you in.
I have invested in my HR license and have also finally got my forklift license after working for the past 12 years in the road transport industry

I passed my medical and physical today with flying colors and have 1 last induction to go before I board the plane for my first 2/2 roster.

Thanks to everyone that has contributed to this thread

[Hords]

Cogratulations BlackXR8!!!...................
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Please tell us everything about it. Position, Location, etc...
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[BlackXR8]

Originally Posted by Hords

Cogratulations BlackXR8!!!...................
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Please tell us everything about it. Position, Location, etc...
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Lots of study & inductions for both the contractor & Santos, wasn't too hard given my background in OH&S & workplace compliance.

The medical & Physical took just over 3 hours!

Position - Green hat (Junior operator) open/cased hole
Location - Moomba
FIFO 2/2

The down side - I will miss my sons birthday but there is always skype!
The upside - we will celebrate his birthday this weekend at the ANDRA pro series this weekend at AIR

[egoxr6]

Lots seem to get smashed with tax (like $1,500) so I'm assuming most are making at least that on top again to be viable. Would this be ballpark of what a trade based (Plumber) 'newby' would make?

[asusdragon]

Congrats Blackxr8, I'm the same as you on my first swing up at the moment.
I at Christmas Creek Mine working in the power station on a 2 week on 2 week off roster... and as you said its not what you know but who you know.

[Hords]

Originally Posted by asusdragon

... and as you said its not what you know but who you know.

This is being mentioned too frequently. Puts you on the back foot a bit if you're unfortunate enough not to know anyone.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Hords

This is being mentioned too frequently. Puts you on the back foot a bit if you're unfortunate enough not to know anyone.

It is hard, but being persistent is the key aswell.

I have counted 20 graduate programs that I have applied for thus far and have about 10 to go. So I will be annoyed if I dont get something, but its ultra competitive.

I also find the worst thing about this industry is that they ask for alot of experience. But I am forever hearing about how they need engineers, but getting a start without it is hard.

I would get 10+ jobs easy per week just from Rio...but all want experience of 2-5 years...Ill see how it goes I guess but entry level is difficult.

PS - All going well by mid next year I might need that shirt back..hehe

[Miss_XR6]

Off topic but for those who work in mines and use the fly in fly out mode who books your flights????

[05_ENFORCER]

Most have admin personnel or dedicated travel co-ordinators that schedule flights and sometimes rooms as well


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[Miss_XR6]

Originally Posted by 05_ENFORCER

Most have admin personnel or dedicated travel co-ordinators that schedule flights and sometimes rooms as well


.

Do these travel personnel/admin work direct for the mines aswell

[05_ENFORCER]

Mostly, Yes

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[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by BlackXR8

This thread is full of very useful information, It has helped me gain employment in the mining industry.
It is true that it is not what you know but who you know that will eventually get you in.
I have invested in my HR license and have also finally got my forklift license after working for the past 12 years in the road transport industry

I passed my medical and physical today with flying colors and have 1 last induction to go before I board the plane for my first 2/2 roster.

Thanks to everyone that has contributed to this thread

congrats thats awesome news.. enjoy.. stay safe..

[Jedc]

After 6 months of trying to get my foot in the door I finally landed a job out of newman, WA. The initial process to getting here was the hardest process, but now I'm here, I can network and get to where I want to be.
Cheers

[buggerlugs]

http://www.news.com.au/business/brut...-1226326685091

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by Jedc

After 6 months of trying to get my foot in the door I finally landed a job out of newman, WA. The initial process to getting here was the hardest process, but now I'm here, I can network and get to where I want to be.
Cheers

Newman.. some great countryside up that way.. great town with good people just let down a little bit by the availability of grog.. what sort of work are you doing up there....

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by buggerlugs

http://www.news.com.au/business/brut...-1226326685091

bit of sooking going on there.. you either make the grade or you dont..

drug or alcohol issues are usually pre existing.. dont blame the mines..

rosters / life balance.. you knew that before you signed up.. now go back to your $50k yr city job....

[XR6TCraig]

Originally Posted by egoxr6

Lots seem to get smashed with tax (like $1,500) so I'm assuming most are making at least that on top again to be viable. Would this be ballpark of what a trade based (Plumber) 'newby' would make?

You have to be making the money to get taxed mate, so they would be taking home more than the taxed amount.

Look at the tax rates on the ATO site and you can probably work out what someone paying $1500 a week tax is grossing and therefore their take home pay.

At a rough guess though, if you are paying $1500 a week tax, you are probably taking home something like $2500. Just a guess but probably in the ballpark.

If you are working in construction in the mining industry as a plumber you could realistically earn that kind of money. You would be working long hours and doing long tours to do it though. E.G. 21 days on, 7 off working 12+ hour days.