Mine job hopes hit brick wall
THREE months, more than 70 applications and less than a handful of responses.
That's what it's been like trying to find a job, preferably in the mining industry, for Bli Bli's Ray Mann.
Having experience in the sought-after industry hasn't helped his job application process either.
"Before moving to the Sunshine Coast I worked and lived in Mackay, working as an underground coal miner," Mr Mann said.
"I was out of the industry for a short period, 12 months, and have now been actively seeking employment back in the industry."
Part of his frustration is the lack of feedback.
What makes it more confusing is his mates still in the industry tell him "the mines are screaming for people".
"I don't know what else I can do to secure a position," he said.
Adding insult to injury is the news some mining companies have been granted permission to allow foreign workers into the country to fill "the so-called employment shortage".
"What a joke. I'm one of several thousand unemployed persons seeking a position," he said.
"Why aren't these companies prepared to hire more safety and training officers and start employing the Aussies that want to work in this industry?"
Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said while he couldn't comment on individual circumstances there were many vacancies.
"There are more than 3500 vacancies advertised in Queensland's minerals and energy sector industries," he said.
"More than 380 of those specify underground coal operations."
He suggested labour hire companies and mining contractors as "the first ports of call" for anyone interested in translating their qualifications, skills and experience to resource operations.
"They should also be mindful that resources sector jobs are demanding and carry great responsibility, particularly with respect to workplace health and safety."
