FIFO jobs no experience: How to secure a generous salary with limited-to-no qualifications

Fly-in Fly-out work has become wildly popular for West Aussies given its desirable lifestyle and high-paying salaries.

Working on rotating swings, FIFO workers can rake in the dough with limited experience compared to other industries in Australia.

Looking to get in on the action but not sure where to start?

Mining recruitment agencies or combing job ads online are one of many avenues that keen West Aussies take advantage of to help kick start their FIFO career.

Here is a detailed guide to get ahead of the pack.

Getting started

For those looking to break into the industry, MPI’s general manager of recruitment operations Brayden Santich said obtaining the required tickets are a basic necessity.

“For people without mining experience obtain tickets, this can usually involve getting a white card, basic first aid/safety tickets and having a clean drivers license,” he said.

“If you’re aiming at an equipment operating position some mining companies will require a HR license.

“Other tickets can include confined spaces and working at heights.”

As the old adage goes, you need to spend money to make money, and that’s the same with working FIFO as there are costs involved to obtain the tickets. But once that’s in order a world of opportunity will open up.

While all are a necessity, a white card is crucial to work on construction sites in Australia — with a holder having proved that they understand basic health and safety regulations, hazard identification and site procedures.

It usually takes just one day of training through a registered training organisation for potential employees to be certified to work on site.

Anyone successful through the application process will be required to undergo pre-employment checks.

“All mining companies require a lab drug and alcohol test, as well as a national police check,” Mr Santich said.

“Most medicals for industry are not tick and flicks, they will require different levels of fitness tests dependent on the position.”

What kind of jobs can you get?

The modern day Aussie dream has become driving dump trucks on mine sites, with entry level operations earning a sizeable amount.

However, Mr Santich warned that there are so many positions to fill on each site.

“The reality here is there are only so many entry level dump truck operators that a mining company can employ at any one time . . . they have hundreds of candidates to choose from,” he said.

“Consider the long game, those wanting to drive a dump truck start in roles that are in high demand and greater supply like trade assistants or general labourers.

“And then apply after they’ve built a good level of experience and skills around a mine site.”

Mine sites offer a wide range of jobs outside of the typical mechanic and rigger roles that can provide steady income for those fresh to the game.

According to MPI, common entry level jobs that can help net a salary between $80,000 to $120,000 a year (depending on role, location and roster) include:

• Driller’s Offsider – Support drill rig operations by handling samples, moving equipment and maintaining site safety.
• General Mining Labourer / Trade Assistant – Help tradespeople, perform hands-on tasks, and keep things moving on site.
• Site Admin Mining Entry Level – Office-based support roles that help manage data and logistics.
• Trainee Dump Truck Operator Jobs – Operating heavy vehicles on site after training.
• Utility Worker – Take on a variety of tasks, from cleaning to basic equipment assistance.
• Nipper – Typically underground work which involves supporting mining crews by moving equipment, setting up tools, and keeping work areas organised and safe.

Mine sites across WA often take a farm of employees to keep the ship running, and FIFO roles can range from cleaners, kitchen hands, day operators on a processing plant and laboratory technicians.

While the more quirky jobs that people might not be familiar with include camp attendants, laundry assistants, gym managers and bar attendants.

Helpful tips

The FIFO industry continues to grow more intriguing for West Aussies both old and young, with MPI seeing applications flood through regularly.

Mr Santich said that a solid resume can make a world of difference.

“Aim to write a resume without gaps. Gaps are fine, ensure you can explain them,” he said.

“Display transferable skills in your resume . . . list qualifications and tickets that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.”

Thinking about plugging your work history and qualifications into ChatGPT for a quick solution? Think again.

Potential employers can easily spot the difference between a written resume and cover letter compared to something AI has whipped up in a minute.

“Our recommendation is to NOT use AI to write your resume or cover letter,” Mr Santich added.

“MPI has seen a correlation between a spike in applications by AI and an increase in irrelevant skills and experience.

“Recruiters and employers know when a resume has been written by AI.”

Writing your own shows a willingness for the job and will shine through a pack of AI applications.

“Write your CV yourself with your own experience, showing your transferable skills,” Mr Santich said.

“Only you know this first-hand, and your personality will shine through.”

Once the basics are sorted the next best step is networking with those in the know to help propel a good applicant into a great applicant.

Another helpful tip is to consider if the FIFO lifestyle is fit for you.

It can be easy to look at the pros of a entry-level salary, but the cons are often overlooked.

With the work on site often entails gruelling 12-hour days where you are away from friends and family for weeks at a time.

Anyone up for the work is also reminded to “have an open mind”, and consider moving to a regional town to boost their job prospects.