The mining jobs myth

[Chronic]

I was going to post this as a poll too but can't figure out were that went. Censorship? lol... NE way so the question is asked if foreign workers should be allowed to get jobs in Australia's mining industry? I think they should be allowed as it is a free world. But i really have no idea the severity of the Jobs market over there nor the concept of their work environment..
The great mining myth is that there are high-paying jobs just waiting for anyone who's prepared to work hard and live in isolated communities.

[travis]

So Mexicans should be able to come across the border and undercut your wages, potentially take "your" job and send all the money they make back home?? There is no such thing as a free world, don't know where you got that idea from.
I won't go into detail but basically what the worlds richest woman; yes, the RICHEST woman is doing is hiring a slave force like what they do in Saudi, Qatar, etc. It does not benefit the citizens of Australia one iota, just the .1%

I happen to be like many people in this story as I have travelled across country (1750 miles) to find work. I have a university education but will only be a debt slave if I stay in my field. I currently live in a hotel and it took longer to find a house (move in next week) than a job.
No one tells you when you come to the mining areas that they want experience and tickets. I had neither but I took whatever job I could get and worked my ass off to be recommended for other work. I would work outside, in the dust with temps at 107F. I left all my friends and family behind so that I could build a good future for myself. Australia has an official unemployment rate of 5% but they cook the books so it looks better for the gov. The state I live in is looking for all types of workers but it can take time to make good money.

I now have a position in a gold mine but it would not have happened if I had not taken the chance, invested in getting skills and working really hard.

As far as jobs being handed out, that occurred 4 years ago, they were literally hiring people at gas stations. Now it is a bit more difficult due to low metal prices (nickel, Al). Everybody you ask will probably have a differing experience so my opinion is not gospel. There are people that have no skills - can't even drive manual transmission and they have gotten 120,000 USD driving a dump truck.
It is true that there are well paying jobs but you have to be prepared to work hard and live in isolated communities.
Cheers :-)

[Viper_99]

(05-30-2012 05:26 AM)travis Wrote:  No one tells you when you come to the mining areas that they want experience and tickets. I had neither but I took whatever job I could get and worked my ass off to be recommended for other work. I would work outside, in the dust with temps at 107F. I left all my friends and family behind so that I could build a good future for myself. Australia has an official unemployment rate of 5% but they cook the books so it looks better for the gov. The state I live in is looking for all types of workers but it can take time to make good money.

I now have a position in a gold mine but it would not have happened if I had not taken the chance, invested in getting skills and working really hard.

You nailed it on the head with your comments. You started at the bottom and worked your way up. People expect to make 120,000 with no effort - just show up! I commend you for your effort and your billion lady should try to help her own people out with some training programs. But who am I to suggest that to someone who has a billion dollars, it is obvious I don't understand (how to take advantage of people) business.