From exploration and mining through to community and environment, the gold industry has a career path for everyone. Here, we’ll take a look at the different career pathways on offer and the various ways in which you can break into the industry.
Workers from Northern Star Resources on site
As the second largest employer in the mining sector, Australia’s gold industry is thriving. With gold production estimated to rise over the coming years, the opportunities for employment in gold have never been better. Read on to discover our top tips and try the gold jobs quiz to help you decide which route is right for you!
Patricia De Almelda is a Trainer at Regis Resources who helps employees grow their career
Careers in gold
A variety of opportunities lie beyond the mine site, with many skilled gold employees working in processing plants, offices, refineries, mints, or out in the field. Not all roles will require previous qualifications or specific skill sets, so there really are opportunities for everyone.
A Heavy Diesel Mechanic from Westgold Resources
Getting your foot in the door is the first step, but certainly not the last! There’s no end to your learning journey and the possibilities available to you within the gold industry.
Indigenous programs
Aboriginal Australians have played an integral role in the gold sector, dating back to the gold rush of the early 1800s. Now, gold mining operations across the nation are creating life-changing education, equal job opportunities, and support for social programs - including a partnership with Shooting Stars and Netball WA and a WA Mining Club.
AngloGold Ashanti Australia Graduates
For more information on Indigenous communities and the available jobs click here.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn within a structured program. An apprenticeship allows you to explore the industry while developing sought-after skills to help launch your career in gold.
A St Barbara Environmental worker out in the field
Visit our apprenticeship page where you can view the requirements for companies such as Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources, and Westgold Resources. Each page has further details on their Apprenticeship Programs and insight into the history and operations.
As part of your learning, you will have the help of the apprenticeship community. This service offers a multitude of free resources for apprentices and trainees including recruitment, mentoring, and cash incentives; along with several other value ads including mental health awareness initiatives and complementary wage advice.
Workers from Gold Fields’ famous Agnew operation
Take a look at the apprenticeship opportunities within the gold industry here
Graduates
What does a graduate position within the gold Industry look like? This is an entry-level position offered to University or TAFE graduates over the course of one to two years.
A Mining Engineering Graduate from Evolution Mining
A graduate program is designed to ease the process of going from full-time study to the real workforce. Companies may transition graduates to fill permanent positions as they bring with them a strong understanding of the business and its workplace culture and a proven commitment to its values.
Courses within companies can differ, so take time to read through and find the company that resonates with you. These programs give their students exposure to the best practice within each company. Each course is both a personal and work development journey - building knowledge, skills, and experience with the help of mentors, professionals, and technical experts that match your career interests.
The courses are designed to provide you with invaluable hands-on and site-based experience in your desired field of study. Including formal training such as administrative, technical, and managerial skills.
Complete your hard-earned studies with real-world experience for a gold-standard start to your career.
Gold mining needs a wide variety of skills! Matt Crouch works in IT and Analytics.
Find out more about the Graduate opportunities within the Gold Industry here
Ready to apply? Take a look at all current graduate positions here.
Scholarships
You will be pleased to learn that scholarship placements are available within the gold Industry. Scholarships are monetary-aid awards designed to help students with their undergraduate degrees. Some scholarships may lead to vacation work with the sponsored company - a great opportunity for on-the-job experience and networking opportunities.
Companies such as the WA Mining Club and the Minerals Council of Australia encourage students to apply for scholarships, which are available in several disciplines including Geology, Mining Engineering, and Environmental studies.
Discover what scholarships are available to you in Australia here.
Traineeships
A traineeship is similar to an apprenticeship. This program offers the prospective student a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, either full-time or part-time over 12 months.
Students will be under the supervision of a professional to learn the practical and theoretical aspects of their chosen occupation.
Traineeships are the perfect option for people with little to no experience and could lead to permanent positions within your chosen company. You will learn while you earn and leave your course armed with the skills to kick-start your career.
Find out more about the traineeship opportunities within the gold industry here
Vacation work
What is vacation work? This is a practical, degree-related work experience often undertaken in a university student’s penultimate year of study. It is a great opportunity to put your learned skills to the test. Jump out of the textbooks and gain valuable insight and exposure to how your chosen discipline works in a real-world environment.
Taking part in vacation work is a chance to begin building your network of industry contacts and may even lead to a Graduate program.
Click here to find out more about the vacation work opportunities for companies such as AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Regis Resources, and Evolution Mining.
Hear from the People in Gold
Don’t just take our word for it! Head to our People in Gold page to hear the experiences of workers in Australia’s gold industry. With over 20 videos, you can hear directly from IT analysts, engineers, surveyors, geologists, truck operators, metallurgists, and environmental officers.
Explore our videos to hear from people in gold working all across Australia
Gold Industry Group Careers Page
Australia’s gold industry is a modern, diverse workforce that is constantly embracing new technologies and adapting to new ways of work. Take a look at our careers page for more information on studies and training, networking, and professional development.
Top tips to get your career started in the Gold Industry:
Volunteer - this shows a great willingness to learn and will look even better on your CV to potential employers
LinkedIn - update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your learnings, join industry groups, and connect with people in gold.
Be proactive - reach out to recruiters and make yourself known within the companies themselves directly.
Learn - every day is a school day. We encourage all workers to continue their studies with their professional and personal development.
Apply - it’s always worth throwing your hat into the ring and applying for a role that interests you!
Get started!
Ready to take the next step? Take a look at the current vacancies on our Job Profiles page. Here you can explore what roles would interest you and understand each of the key responsibilities, specialisations, work environments, and prerequisites.
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