Ready to get into one of the world's most exciting industries?

With such a range of jobs available in the resources sector, the first step is to decide what kind of work you would like to do. It would also be useful to consider whether you're keen on getting into mining, or oil and gas, as the work environments can be very different — for example, do you like the idea of working offshore on an oil rig.. or do you think working underground would be exciting?

A good place to start is our occupational profiles, but you can also take a look through the following useful websites.

• Job outlook 
• Skills Road:  Resources sector career snapshot
• Your Career: Overview of the mining industry

Some entry level jobs in the resources sector don't require any particular skills or experience, but if you're after a particular occupation or looking to make a career move then skilling up through training is the way to go. 

Right now there's 180 qualifications with course fees slashed by half or more under the Lower fees, local skills program... and even better, there's an annual cap on course fees, so you can super size your study but only pay as little as $400 for the year if you are under 25 or looking for work!

Please note: To get into some jobs in the resources sector, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. See below for more information about this. 

While the resources sector does offer many jobs that don't require a trade or qualification, and for some occupations you can work your way up to specialist roles through learning on the job, some types of work require specialist skills and knowledge or you'll need to be trades qualified — these jobs are offered through an apprenticeship or traineeship.

• We have compiled a list of all the resource sector related courses here, including apprenticeships and traineeships,  for you to browse through

With an apprenticeship or traineeship, you will complete a program of work and training over a period of time (generally two to four years). You are employed, and paid, during this time. 

Take a look at Getting an apprenticeship or traineeship for more information

Because the WA resources sector is rapidly growing, the demand for skilled workers has never been higher! Most job opportunities are advertised online — here's some places to start your search.

• The Jobs and Skills WA jobs board
• The SEEK website
• indeed.com job search website
• Programmed (mining, oil and gas jobs)
• The Resources Hub (search 'current vacancies')

There's also some companies who specialise in recruitment for the resources sector. We recommend doing an internet search to find out more about what services they offer for jobseekers. And if you're on social media, there's several groups on Facebook and Instagram that regularly post job opportunities in mining, oil and gas, and other related areas — do a search to find them. 

If you're in Karratha, or looking for work there, the Karratha local jobs website — supported by Woodside — has a free jobs board!

If you’re interested in working in the resources sector, your local Jobs and Skills Centre can help with free advice on career planning and training to help you get there.

And if you've spotted a job you want to go for, they can help freshen up your CV and even help you put your job application together. Need some tips for job interviews? They can do that too!

Because Jobs and Skills Centres work closely with local employees and industries, they know where the jobs are and how you can get them.  And they know what employers are looking for. There's 13 JSCs across Perth and regional WA, and all services are free. Call your local JSC on 13 64 64, or check our map to find your closest centre. 

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) is an employment-based learning pathway for secondary school (Years 11 and 12). It combines off the job training at a TAFE college or training provider, and paid on the job training through a work placement, that leads to a nationally recognised qualification and can count towards your WACE.  An SBAT is designed to give you skills and knowledge in your chosen field or while you're still at school, to give your career a head start. There's also the Aboriginal school-based apprenticeship/ traineeship program, for Aboriginal students in years 10, 11 and 12.

SBATs are available in a range of study areas, including many that are relevant to the resources sector.

A pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeships is a Certificate II program that includes a work placement component, coordinated by your TAFE or training provider. You will get industry specific training, combined with hands-on experience in a real workplace, to gain valuable industry skills and knowledge that will prepare you for employment and make you more competitive when applying for jobs or a full apprenticeship or traineeship. It also gives you an opportunity to find out whether a particular industry or type of work is right for you.

Do I have to do a pre-apprenticeship/traineeship to get an apprenticeship/traineeship?
No, there is no requirement to have completed a pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship before starting an apprenticeship or traineeship. However, if you do go on to a full apprenticeship or traineeship you may receive credit for the units you have completed, which could shorten the time it takes to complete a full traineeship or apprenticeship.

There are many pre-apprenticeship courses​ on offer at TAFE colleges and training providers, in a range of study areas related to the resources industry. Course fees do apply, but right now there's a range of pre-apprenticeships with half price course fees, with some pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships under $200, through the Skills Ready Lower fees, local skills program.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are an excellent way to combine training with work, enabling you to have a job — earn while you learn — as you complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. They are available to anyone of working age — you can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce, or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. When you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship you will have a nationally recognised qualification. 

Apprenticeships typically take two to four years to complete and traditionally cover skilled trade areas such as automotive, engineering, electrotechnology, and building and construction. An apprenticeship is a structured program with a combination of on the job training, where you gain hands-on skills and knowledge, and off the job training at a TAFE or training provider. Your off the job training may be scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis (eg; one day per fortnight), or as a block release across the year — for example; you might work full time for six weeks and then do a two-week block of training. Upon successful completion, apprentices become a qualified tradesperson.

Traineeships can take between one to two years to complete and offer a broad range of vocational and occupational choices — anything from business and finance, human resources, multimedia and information technology, through to sport and fitness, agriculture, hospitality and civil engineering. A traineeship is a structured program with a combination of on the job training where you gain hands-on skills and knowledge, and off the job training at a TAFE or training provider. Your off the job training may be scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis (eg; one day per fortnight), or as a block release across the year — for example; you might work full time for six weeks and then do a two-week block of training. Upon successful completion, trainees receive a nationally recognised qualification in their chosen vocational area.

To do an apprenticeship or traineeship, you must be employed. So how do you find an employer?

• You can go out and find an employer yourself, by searching for advertised jobs or contacting a company directly. Many of the larger employers in the resources sector run regular recruitment programs for apprenticeships and traineeships — check How do I get a job in the resources sector?  for more information to help you with this. 
• There are a number of Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers in WA that are funded by the Australian Government to provide advice and assistance to help you find an apprenticeship or traineeship and organise everything to get you started. 

You can find out more on our Apprenticeships and traineeships page here, or call your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64 for free information and advice. 

There's also some great information on the Australian Apprenticeships website about finding an apprenticeship or traineeship, including some useful tips for how to approach employers.

Another option is to find an apprenticeship or traineeship through a group training organisation (GTO). 

GTOs employ apprentices and trainees across a range of different industries. You are directly employed by the GTO, but they 'host' you out to an employer for work. This can be a great option as you may have the opportunity to work with more than one employer during your apprenticeship or traineeship — giving you a wider range of experience. GTOs are experts in hiring apprentices and trainees, and are regulated to make sure they are doing the right thing by their employees.

Step 1: Register with a GTO
You can look through our list of WA GTOs here, and check their information to find what industry/sector and/or type of apprenticeship or traineeship they specialise in. The next step is to register with the GTO (you can register with as many as you like) so that they have your details if a suitable vacancy arises.

Step 2: Recruitment process
You will have an initial interview with the GTO, so that they can find out more about the type of apprenticeship or traineeship you're looking for and discuss options. If you are suitable, the GTO will either offer you an apprenticeship or traineeship or let you know when one becomes available.

When you start your apprenticeship or traineeship, your GTO will help you prepare to meet your host employer. They will also provide any pre-employment training that's required; such as workplace health and safety, and the basic personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the role. 

After you start your apprenticeship or traineeship, the GTO will assign you a field officer who will be your direct contact point if there's any issues or if you have any queries about your apprenticeship or traineeship. Your field officer will also monitor your training and work, and check in to make sure that everything is going smoothly.

All aspects of your apprenticeship or traineeship through a GTO are the same as any other apprenticeship or traineeship — it's really only the actual employment arrangements that are different; ie you are employed and paid by the GTO rather than by the company where you're doing the apprenticeship or traineeship.