Starting as a utility is a great way to get that all-important FIFO experience. For every job advertised there’s hundreds of people applying for these roles. There’s a high turnover of staff because it’s not for everyone: the heat, the flies, the purple circle, there are plenty of reasons people don’t last. But if you can stick it out, it can open doors to other roles in mining.
A Hard Day’s Work
Utility work involves cleaning, kitchen work, and housekeeping. Shifts can last 10 to 12 hours and are physically demanding, with no shortage of lifting, cleaning, or cooking. The work environment? Hot, dusty, and challenging. Housekeepers get about two minutes to flip a room, change the sheets, clean it up, and move on. For kitchen staff, the demands can be equally intense. In some camps, two kitchen hands may support a camp of 600 to 800 miners, which means washing countless plates, cups, and all the chef’s cooking equipment.
The real ticket is the hands-on experience and the reputation you build for hard work and a good attitude.
The Money Side
Pay varies depending on the company, the roster, and the state. In Western Australia, you can expect the highest wages, anywhere from $69K to $86K a year, with larger camps often paying a bit more. However, some roles are so underpaid that you could make more with a 9-to-5 job at home, so it’s worth doing your research.
Most companies won’t pay for travel time, meaning you don’t get paid until you’re actually on shift. Be sure to go over your contract with a fine-tooth comb. Also, check out the living conditions beforehand — utilities often get the worst rooms.
Moving Up
While you’re putting in the hard yards as a utility, use your time to decide what you really want to do in mining. Start investing in yourself by learning the ropes for the role you want next. Get some training, do your homework, and start educating yourself. Use this time to set yourself up for something bigger.
Pick up a few useful tickets, but don’t throw your cash at everything — especially things like dump truck courses, which are expensive and often won’t take you anywhere. Focus on training that’s practical and directly useful for the roles you want to step into. Some of the most commonly required tickets and licenses are a White Card, Working at Heights, Confined Space, Forklift, manual driver’s license, and police check.
Thinking About Switching Roles? Here’s the Catch
If you want to get into another role, after about six months, you can start applying. But here’s the catch: most sites have anti-poaching agreements in place, so if you’re thinking of making the leap, it’ll likely have to be at a new site.
Here’s the formula: stay open to learning, be reliable, and leave the “know-it-all” attitude at the gate. In a place like this, being willing to roll up your sleeves is what gets you noticed.