Hiring in the sector is predicted to remain strong with mining engineers most in demand.

 

“Most companies, whether direct mine owners or engineering consultancies, have extremely positive hiring intentions, both permanent and temporary, for the coming quarter,” Hays Resources and Mining regional director Simon Winfield said.

 

“New exploration projects and mine expansions in particular will drive demand. In general there is as much work coming through now as there has been in the last 12 months.”

 

According to Hays this is placing further pressure on an already candidate-tight market.

 

Mine geologists, mine development and planning engineers as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance trades are also in strong demand.

 

Hays said candidates were becoming more selective when considering jobs and will research an organisation’s culture and the opportunities offered.

 

“This means employers need to present their opportunity in the best possible light, throughout all stages of the recruitment process,” Winfield said.

 

Hays also found that if an offer did not match a candidate’s expectations in terms of salary, benefits or career progression they would stay put or find a job which did.

 

Despite talk of a recession in Australia, Hays said the coming quarter remained strong for recruitment.