Mining, oil and gas skills in hot demand

Geologists and a range of engineering roles are in hot demand across mining, oil and gas looking towards the next three to five years, according to recruiting expert Hays.

Simon Winfield, senior regional director of Hays Resources & Mining and Hays Oil & Gas, says the two sectors were not only hiring but also spending money on staff development and ways to keep their employees happy.

He says while China’s appetite for Australian commodities is strong and well known, demand from India and other parts of Asia is now also on the horizon and expected to grow.

Mr Winfield says Hays received 20 plus phone calls a week from potential candidates after the Mining and Gas Jobs Expo held across Queensland from people wanting to break into the field.

He said people keen to join the sector as well as those with plans to study should consider training in geology, engineering and other mining skills.

To help with this process, Hays has compiled a State and Territory based list of “in demand” skills for Mining and Oil & Gas. The skills listed at the tope of each list are the roles in most demand.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mining

Mining Engineers
Geologists
Mine Surveyors
Electricians
Heavy Duty Diesel Fitters

“Over the next three to five years major expansion in Western Australia’s north west iron ore industry is going to place a huge strain on an already limited stock of experienced mining personnel,” says Mr Winfield.

“The skills in most demand will be experienced Mining Engineers, Geologists and Mine Surveyors at a technical level and appropriately qualified and experienced maintenance trades personnel with proven mine site pedigrees.”

Oil & Gas

Subsea Pipeline Engineers
Estimators
Subsea Trees Engineers
Process Engineers
Flow Assurance Engineers

“There is a global shortage of candidates with specific experience in the design and engineering of subsea pipelines,” says Mr Winfield. “This issue is even more severe in Western Australia where several major projects require subsea pipelines.”

QUEENSLAND

Mining

Heavy Diesel Fitters
Mechanical Fitter
Electrical Trades (Underground)
Oil & Gas Pressure Welders
Operators Mining

Heavy Diesel Fitters will be in greatest demand due to increased coal mining production thus an increase in the need for maintenance.

Oil & Gas

Project Engineering
Project Services / Controls
Construction Management
Engineering
Operations & Maintenance

The hottest demand will be for project engineers as projects move into development, construction and commissioning to ensure that each stage meets the technical and operational requirements of the project as well as key project milestones and quality.
Project engineers also provide technical input to support construction and commissioning staff.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mining

Lead Mechanical Engineers
Mining Engineers
Drill and Blast Engineers
Lead Civil/Structural Engineers
Heavy Diesel Fitters

The skill gap between Senior Engineers and Lead or Principal Engineers is expected grow over the next five years due to a wave of retirements leaving a massive shortage of lead expertise for major mining projects in SA.

Oil & Gas

Lead Mechanical Engineers
Project Planners/Cost Controllers
Process Engineers
Drilling Engineers
Hydraulic Fitters

South Australia is one of Australia’s largest onshore oil and gas producers. Despite this, high salaries and the chance to work on large scale projects in other states and overseas has seen a loss of senior level engineers. Mr Winfield says severe shortages of senior engineers able to oversee scheduled EPCM projects were expected over the next five years.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Mining

Geologists
Heavy Duty Diesel Fitters
Electrical/Mechanical Engineers
Surveyors
Electricians

National demand and increased exploration activity in the Northern Territory have strengthened demand for experienced Geologists. Many junior explorers are expecting a busy dry season in 2012, with drilling programs for several new deposits.

Oil & Gas not listed for NT

NEW SOUTH WALES

Mining

Undermanagers and Mine Deputies (coal)
Electrical Design Engineers
Mechanical & Electrical Trades
Safety and Training Professionals
Mining Engineers

Mr Winfield says that the demand for Mine Deputies and Undermanagers in NSW has grown due both to legislative changes in Queensland that led to the reinstated of the Undermanager qualification and also new underground developments in NSW and Queensland.

Electrical Design Engineers will also be needed due to the ongoing advancements across mining equipment, such as anti-collision and automation, as well as the continued focus on safety legislation.”

Oil & Gas

Process Engineers
E&I Engineers
Senior Geoscience staff
Geophysicists
Mechanical Engineers

Mr Winfield says the shortage of local Process Engineers with operational experience has been exacerbated by talent moving overseas for the long term and by moves to WA where salaries are higher.

VICTORIA

Mining

Mine Planning Engineers
Mine Geologists
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Drafters
Exploration Geologists

“Mine Planning Engineers will be in highest demand in Victoria given their importance in running the operations and planning mine life,” says Mr Winfield.

Oil & Gas

Mechanical Design Engineers
Geologists
Principal/Senior Process Engineers
Design Drafters
E&I Engineers

“Victoria is losing these skills to Western Australia and Queensland, where higher salaries are on offer,” says Mr Winfield. “There are also a number of new projects that have been awarded to national and global consultancies who manage the design from their Melbourne office.”