That?s the finding from the October to December Hays Resources & Mining Quarterly Report released last week, which also highlights employers? preference for candidates with like-for-like experience.
?More strategic in their hires, employers are also taking their time when they recruit to ensure that each placement is the right person for the job. As a result, the recruitment process has lengthened,? Simon Winfield, senior regional director of Hays Resources & Mining, explained.
?We advise candidates to sharpen their existing skills and industry experience to enhance their value. Employers meanwhile need to be aware that candidate shortages still exist in many areas. Many organisations have invested in retention strategies to keep their best people so there?s still a shortage of high quality candidates for certain roles, particularly those that require excellent leadership skills or very specific experience.?
In South Australia, there is a high demand for reliability engineers, mine engineers at all levels for both underground and open pit, diesel mechanics/fitters and rubber liners. All of these candidates have been in very short supply and demand for candidates in maintenance and optimisation at all levels is expected to remain high.
Queensland continues to see demand for experienced HV electricians and diesel fitters.
In the Northern Territory, demand has increased over the past 12 months for occupational health and safety advisors and training advisors. Specialised candidates are required who can train in specific areas such as processing, mobile plant and first aid. Mining engineers, mine managers and exploration geologists are also in demand.
Western Australia is seeing high demand for senior mine engineers with specific technical competencies such as drill and blast and medium to short term mine planning skills. Senior mine geologists with skills in the management of production and technical reporting, such as end of month reconciliations, are also in high demand.
Senior level maintenance personnel are constantly in demand and particularly maintenance managers. Additionally there is a strong demand for heavy duty diesel fitters, drill technicians, electricians and belt technicians, all uncommon skill sets but widely employed in the mining industry.
Source: Hays Recruitment