How to land your first mining job even without industry experience
Introduction
One of the biggest myths about FIFO mining jobs is that you need experience to get started. The truth? Thousands of people break into mining every year with zero industry experience – and many of them are earning $70,000-$100,000+ within their first year.
This guide shows you exactly how to get your foot in the door, which entry-level roles are available, and how to use these positions as stepping stones to higher-paying careers in mining.
Entry-Level FIFO Jobs That Require No Experience
Camp Hospitality Roles
The most accessible entry point into FIFO work. Mining camps need hospitality staff 24/7, and these roles are often the easiest to land with no mining experience.
Kitchen Hand
Salary: $70,000 – $95,000 per year
What You’ll Do:
- Assist chefs with food preparation
- Wash dishes and maintain kitchen hygiene
- Stock and organise food supplies
- General kitchen cleaning
- Sometimes basic food preparation
Requirements:
- No experience required
- Food Handler’s Certificate (can often be obtained during induction)
- White Card (construction induction)
- Physical fitness (on your feet all day)
- Positive attitude and reliability
Real Example: Veronica Martinez started as a kitchen hand, earning $90,000 with no prior hospitality or mining experience. She now works as a Camp Services Supervisor.
Cleaner/Service Attendant
Salary: $70,000 – $90,000 per year
What You’ll Do:
- Clean accommodation rooms (“dongas”)
- Maintain common areas (gyms, recreation rooms)
- Laundry services
- Restock amenities
- General camp maintenance
Requirements:
- No experience required
- White Card
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work independently
Barista/Catering Assistant
Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 per year
What You’ll Do:
- Prepare coffee and beverages
- Serve food in the mess hall
- Maintain beverage stations
- Customer service for mine workers
Requirements:
- Basic barista experience helpful but not essential
- Food Handler’s Certificate
- Customer service skills
Mining Support Roles
Trade Assistant/Trades Offsider
Salary: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
What You’ll Do:
- Assist qualified tradespeople (electricians, fitters, boilermakers)
- Carry tools and materials
- Help with basic tasks under supervision
- Learn the trade while working
- Maintain workshop cleanliness
Requirements:
- No trade qualification required (but mechanical aptitude helps)
- White Card
- Physical fitness
- Eagerness to learn
- Driver’s licence
Why It’s Great: A perfect pathway into a trade; many trade assistants go on to complete apprenticeships while working FIFO.
General Labourer/Utility Worker
Salary: $75,000 – $100,000 per year
What You’ll Do:
- General site maintenance
- Cleaning and housekeeping in work areas
- Moving materials and equipment
- Supporting various crews
- Environmental tasks (weed control, rehabilitation)
Requirements:
- No experience required
- White Card
- Physical fitness (essential)
- Flexibility to work in various areas
Driller’s Offsider
Salary: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
What You’ll Do:
- Assist drill operators
- Handle drill rods and equipment
- Basic maintenance tasks
- Sample collection and handling
- Set up and pack down drill sites
Requirements:
- No experience required
- White Card
- Physical fitness (heavy lifting involved)
- Driver’s licence
- Willingness to work in remote locations
Why It’s Great: Direct pathway to becoming a drill operator, which can pay $120,000-$160,000+.
Trainee/Development Programs
Major mining companies run trainee programs specifically designed for people with no experience.
Haul Truck Operator Trainee
Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 per year (once qualified)
What’s Involved:
- Structured training program (typically 3-6 months)
- Learn to operate massive haul trucks (200+ tonnes)
- Simulator training followed by supervised operation
- Progress to solo operation
Requirements:
- No prior experience required
- Full Australian driver’s licence (manual preferred)
- Clean driving record
- Pass aptitude testing
- Medical clearance
Process Plant Trainee
Salary: $85,000 – $110,000 per year
What’s Involved:
- Learn to operate crushing, grinding, and processing equipment
- Structured competency-based training
- Progress through levels as skills develop
- Often leads to senior operator roles
Requirements:
- No experience required
- Mechanical aptitude
- Basic computer skills
- Willingness to learn
Essential Tickets for Entry-Level Roles
| Ticket | Cost | Duration | Required For |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Card (CPCWHS1001) | $150 – $250 | 1 day | ALL mining jobs |
| First Aid | $150 – $200 | 1-2 days | Most roles (highly recommended) |
| Working at Heights | $200 – $300 | 1 day | Many site roles |
| Confined Space | $200 – $300 | 1 day | Plant and maintenance roles |
| Forklift Licence (LF) | $300 – $500 | 2 days | Warehouse, logistics roles |
| HR Driver’s Licence | $500 – $1,000 | 1-2 weeks | Driving roles are functional for all |
Recommended Investment: Start with White Card + First Aid (~$300-400 total). These cover most entry-level positions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your First FIFO Job
Step 1: Get Your Essential Tickets
At a minimum, get your White Card. Add First Aid if the budget allows. These can be completed in 1-2 days.
Step 2: Prepare Your Resume
Even without mining experience, you have transferable skills:
- Hospitality experience: Teamwork, customer service, working under pressure
- Retail experience: Customer service, reliability, following procedures
- Labour/construction: Physical fitness, safety awareness, tool use
- Any work experience: Reliability, punctuality, work ethic
Resume Tips:
- List all tickets clearly at the top
- Emphasise reliability and work ethic
- Highlight physical fitness
- Mention willingness to work in remote locations and various rosters
- Include a clean drug and alcohol statement
Step 3: Register with Recruitment Agencies
Key Agencies for Entry-Level Roles:
- WorkPac – Large mining portfolio, many entry-level roles
- Chandler Macleod – Major recruiter across all levels
- Hays – Resources and mining division
- Programmed – Strong in hospitality and support roles
- Mining People International (MPi) – Specialist mining recruiter
Camp Services Companies (Direct Employers):
- Sodexo – Major camp services provider
- Compass Group (ESS) – Camp hospitality
- Civeo – Accommodation provider
- Morris Corporation – WA camp services
- Cater Care – Mining hospitality
Step 4: Apply Consistently
- Apply to 5-10 positions per week
- Check SEEK, Indeed, and company websites daily
- Follow up on applications after 1 week
- Be prepared to interview at short notice
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Common Interview Questions:
- Why do you want to work in mining?
- How do you handle being away from home?
- What’s your experience with shift work?
- How do you work on a team?
- What’s your drug and alcohol position?
Good Answers Focus On:
- Reliability and work ethic
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Safety consciousness
- Willingness to learn
- Understanding of the FIFO lifestyle
Step 6: Be Prepared to Start Quickly
Mining jobs often need people urgently. Be ready to:
- Complete medical within 24-48 hours
- Travel to the site within a week
- Have all documentation ready (ID, tickets, police check)
Career Pathways from Entry-Level Roles
From Kitchen Hand/Cleaner:
- Kitchen Hand → Cook → Chef → Head Chef ($90K-$150K+)
- Cleaner → Housekeeping Supervisor → Camp Services Manager ($90K-$130K+)
From Trade Assistant:
- Trade Assistant → Apprenticeship → Qualified Tradesperson → Leading Hand ($130K-$200K+)
From Trainee Operator:
- Trainee → Operator → Senior Operator → Supervisor ($100K-$180K+)
Tips for Landing Your First Role
Be Persistent
It can take 2-6 months to land your first role. Don’t give up. The people who get jobs are the ones who keep applying.
Be Flexible
- Accept any roster offered (you can change later)
- Be open to any location
- Start with whatever role is available
Get More Tickets
Each additional ticket makes you more employable. Invest in yourself.
Network
- Join FIFO and mining groups on Facebook
- Connect with mining workers on LinkedIn
- Ask people already in the industry for advice
Stay Drug-Free
Mining has strict drug and alcohol policies. Random testing is standard. One positive test can end your mining career.
Common Questions
Q: How long does it take to get a job with no experience?
A: Typically 2-6 months if you’re applying consistently. Some people land roles within weeks.
Q: Do I need specific qualifications?
A: For most entry-level roles, just a White Card. Additional tickets help, but aren’t always required.
Q: What’s the most challenging part of entry-level FIFO work?
A: The long hours (12-hour shifts) and being away from home. The actual work is usually straightforward.
Q: Can I progress from entry-level to high-paying roles?
A: Absolutely. Many supervisors and operators started as kitchen hands or cleaners. Mining rewards hard work and reliability.
Q: Are entry-level roles casual or permanent?
A: Often casual initially, but many become permanent for reliable workers. Even casual roles offer consistent work.
Resources
Job Boards
- SEEK: seek.com.au/fifo-no-experience-jobs
- Indeed: au.indeed.com
Training Providers
- TAFE (all states)
- Local RTOs for White Card and tickets
Conclusion
Breaking into FIFO mining without experience is absolutely possible – thousands of people do it every year. The key is getting your essential tickets, being persistent with applications, and being flexible about the role and location you start with.
Entry-level roles like kitchen hand, cleaner, and trade assistant offer salaries of $70,000-$100,000+ – often more than experienced workers earn in metropolitan areas. And these roles are stepping stones to even higher-paying positions.
Start today: get your White Card, update your resume, register with agencies, and apply consistently. Your first FIFO job could be just weeks away.
Last updated: November 2025
Disclaimer: Salaries and conditions vary by employer, role, and location. Information in this guide is for general reference only.