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Australian mining employment went through a sharp increase and has dramatically doubled from around 30,000 to more than 75,000 in the year 2009 alone.

If you are hoping to make it big in the mining industry, getting involved in mining apprenticeships may be a good start. Australia’s minerals industry generally includes exploration, mining, quarrying and processing of rocks and minerals to the basic stage of mineral commodity for selling. The skills category of mining also offers engineering apprenticeships for occupations like site electrical engineers and mechanical engineers to name a few.

Mining apprenticeships and engineering apprenticeships in Australia’s mining industry involves a combination of structured training and paid work. Australian Apprenticeships usually involve gaining knowledge with practical skills on the job site, putting the skills to practice and getting paid in the process.

Structured training for mining apprenticeships and engineering apprenticeships can be done via a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like TAFE. At the end of the program, you will receive a nationally-recognised qualification.

Generally, mining apprenticeships last between 36-48 months, while traineeships are for a shorter period of usually around 12-24 months.

With regards to the Australian mining industry, the wage for mining apprenticeships and engineering apprenticeships is based on several factors, like education, experience, training, competency and age.

There are 3 primary job fields involved in Australia’s mining industry:

• Mining jobs for the university educated. This requires absolute expertise in the field; therefore, university study is an important factor for the position. Sample positions include mine managers and geologists.
• Skilled work. Often requires specific training or trade. Sample positions include drillers, boiler makers, wielders, and mechanics.
• Ticket jobs. These jobs usually require tickets which serve as proof that you are skilled to operate and drive specific vehicles or machineries.

A lot of people are attracted in the mining industry because though the nature of the jobs offered requires hard labour which can be quite dangerous, the pay is usually very impressive.