When people imagine mining or FIFO work, they often picture highly skilled tradespeople or engineers with years of industry experience.

But a large portion of the mining and construction workforce actually starts in entry-level support roles that don’t require previous mining experience. These jobs exist because large projects require hundreds, sometimes thousands, of workers performing different tasks on site.

Some roles involve operating specialised machinery or technical equipment. Others focus on assisting tradespeople, transporting materials, maintaining equipment, or supporting daily operations across the worksite.

That’s why many people entering FIFO jobs in Australia with no experience begin in positions such as:

• Trade assistant
• Driller’s offsider
• Mine site utility worker
• Field technician assistant
• Entry-level haul truck trainee

These roles are designed to be trained on the job. Employers expect new workers to arrive without mining experience, but they do expect them to arrive site-ready.

Before starting, check the role’s required induction, licences, medical checks and work rights. A White Card applies to construction work and certain site-access requirements, not every mining job.

General construction induction is known as White Card training. It does not replace mine-specific induction.

 

10 FIFO Jobs in Australia that Don’t Require Experience

Many people assume you need years of mining experience or a trade qualification to work on a mine site. In reality, large mining operations rely on hundreds of support workers in entry-level roles that can be learned on the job.

These roles involve different duties and entry requirements. Check visa conditions and roster hours before assuming a FIFO position suits a backpacker or student.

1. Driller’s Offsider

A driller’s offsider assists the drilling crew responsible for extracting core samples from the ground during exploration projects. The role involves preparing drilling equipment, handling rods and tools, mixing drilling fluids, and maintaining the work area.

It’s physically demanding but highly sought after because many companies are willing to train beginners. Driller’s offsiders often work long shifts on remote sites, but the role can pay well over $100,000 per year and provides a strong pathway into other mining careers.

2. Mine Site Utility Worker

Utility workers keep the day-to-day operations of a mine site running smoothly. These workers often handle tasks like cleaning accommodation facilities, assisting in kitchens, maintaining communal areas, and supporting camp operations.

While the work isn’t directly involved in mining production, it’s an essential part of FIFO operations. Utility roles are one of the most common entry points for people with no mining experience, especially backpackers or travellers looking to break into the FIFO industry.

This role covers a bit of everything, general maintenance, cleaning, assisting other crews, and keeping the site running smoothly. No two days are exactly the same, which suits people who don’t like being stuck doing one thing. Average salary is anywhere between $68,000  and $85,000/year.

3. Trade Assistant

Trade assistants support skilled workers such as mechanics, electricians, and boilermakers on mining and construction sites. The role can involve transporting tools, preparing materials, cleaning work areas, and assisting with equipment maintenance.

It’s an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in the industry while learning from experienced tradespeople. Many workers who start as trade assistants eventually move into apprenticeships or specialised maintenance roles within the mining sector.

Expect to earn around $75,000 to $90,000 a year on a FIFO roster.

4. Haul Truck Trainee

Haul truck operators drive the massive dump trucks used to transport ore, rock, and waste materials across a mine site. Some mining companies offer trainee programs that allow beginners to learn how to operate these machines safely.

The trucks used in mining can be among the largest vehicles in the world, so training is essential. Once qualified, haul truck operators can earn well over $100,000 per year and gain valuable experience operating heavy machinery.

5. Field Technician Assistant

Field technician assistants work alongside geologists and exploration teams who study rock formations and mineral deposits.

The job can involve collecting samples, preparing equipment, marking drill locations, and recording field data. It’s a role that combines physical outdoor work with basic technical tasks, making it ideal for people interested in the exploration side of mining. Many workers who begin in this role later move into more specialised positions in geological or exploration teams.

Salaries typically fall between $75,000 and $92,000 a year for this position.

6. Process Plant Operator (Trainee)

Process plant operators help manage the systems that separate valuable minerals from raw ore once it has been extracted from the ground. Trainee positions sometimes allow people with no previous mining experience to enter the role and learn on the job.

Responsibilities can include monitoring equipment, adjusting processing systems, and ensuring the plant operates safely and efficiently. With experience, plant operators can move into senior technical roles and earn highly competitive salaries.

This is one of the better-paying entry-level roles, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $115,000 a year.

7. Mine Site Cleaner

Mine site cleaners are responsible for maintaining hygiene and safety standards across accommodation camps, offices, and communal facilities. While it may not be the most glamorous role, it’s one of the most accessible entry points into FIFO work.

Many mining camps operate like small remote towns and require full-time cleaning staff to maintain living areas for workers. Once people gain site experience, some move into other operational roles within the mining company.

It pays far better than city cleaning work, with most roles sitting between $65,000 and $80,000 a year.

8. Warehouse or Stores Assistant

Mining operations rely heavily on logistics, spare parts, and equipment supplies. Warehouse assistants help manage inventory, organise tools and materials, and ensure that crews have the equipment they need.

The role can involve operating forklifts, receiving deliveries, and tracking supplies. Many companies provide on-site training, making this a good entry point for workers interested in logistics or supply chain roles within the mining industry.

Most FIFO stores roles pay between $72,000 and $88,000 a year.

9. Sample Preparation Technician

Sample preparation technicians work in laboratories that analyse mineral samples collected from exploration or mining operations. The role involves crushing rock samples, preparing them for testing, and maintaining lab equipment.

It’s often an entry-level position with structured training provided by the employer. While the work is less physically demanding than some other mining roles, it still provides valuable industry experience and can lead to careers in laboratory analysis or geology support.

You can expect to earn between $68,000 and $85,000 a year in this lab-based role.

10. Site Labourer

Site labourers perform a wide range of general tasks across construction and mining projects. This can include moving materials, assisting tradespeople, setting up equipment, and helping maintain safe working areas.

Because labouring roles vary depending on the project, employers often hire workers with little or no experience and train them on site. For many people, labouring is the first step toward more specialised positions within mining, construction, or civil infrastructure projects.

Even at entry level, most site labourers earn between $65,000 and $80,000 a year.

What’s a White Card and Why Is It Required?

A White Card is relevant to construction and civil work, including construction activities at a mine. It is not a universal prerequisite for all mining or camp roles.

And it’s not just mandatory for tradespeople. A White Card is a required certificate regardless of whether you’re a traffic controller, site supervisor or labourer. 

So, what is it? The White Card is your proof that you’ve completed construction induction training, which is nationally recognised safety training that covers:

• Basic site safety procedures
• How to identify and manage hazards
• Legal responsibilities as a worker
• PPE and signage
• What to do in an emergency

Current, valid cards are generally recognised interstate. They do not grant work rights, unrestricted site entry or permission to perform licensed tasks.

How to Get FIFO jobs in Australia With No Experience

Breaking into the mining or construction industry might seem intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never worked on a job site before.

But for most people who land FIFO jobs in Australia with no experience, the pathway is actually quite straightforward. It’s less about your background and more about having the right certifications and applying for the right entry-level roles. Here’s how most new workers get started.

Step 1: Get your White Card

For a construction role, complete CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry through an appropriately approved RTO. For other FIFO roles, first confirm the employer’s training requirements.

A mine is not automatically a construction site. White Card requirements depend on construction duties, access rules and employer conditions.

After passing all knowledge and practical assessments, follow the relevant card process. Accepted interim evidence and time limits vary by jurisdiction.

Step 2: Add One or Two Job-ready Tickets

While some entry-level roles only require a White Card, many FIFO workers increase their chances of being hired by adding a few short safety courses.

Course and licence durations, eligibility and costs vary. Check prerequisites before booking, particularly for a heavy rigid driver’s licence.

Step 3: Register with Labour Hire Companies

A large number of FIFO jobs are filled through labour hire and recruitment companies. These agencies supply workers to mining operations and major construction projects across Australia, often hiring people with no previous site experience.

Once you have your White Card and basic tickets, registering with several labour hire agencies can significantly increase your chances of securing your first role.

Step 4: Apply for Entry-level FIFO Roles

Entry-level roles are advertised regularly on job boards such as SEEK and Indeed, as well as through recruitment agencies and mining company career pages.

Common entry-level roles include trade assistant, driller’s offsider, utility worker, and trainee machinery operator.

Step 5: Complete Site Induction and Mobilisation

Once hired, workers typically complete a site induction before travelling to the project. This includes safety briefings, medical checks, and training specific to the site you’ll be working on.

After that, you’re officially part of the FIFO workforce; flying to site, completing your roster, and earning a wage that can often exceed $100,000 per year.

Other Tickets that Help You Get FIFO Jobs Faster

Choose additional training according to the vacancy, rather than assuming a standard bundle of tickets guarantees employment.

These short courses are widely recognised across the construction and mining industries and can make your application stand out when employers are choosing between candidates.

Some of the most useful entry-level tickets include:

• First Aid and CPR – Many worksites require at least some workers on shift to hold valid first aid certification.
• Working at Heights – This course teaches workers how to safely operate in elevated work environments and is common on construction and maintenance projects.
• Confined Space Entry: Required training and controls depend on whether the work meets the legal confined-space definition. Not every tunnel or restricted area is a confined space.
• HR (Heavy Rigid) driver’s licence – This licence allows you to operate larger trucks and vehicles, which can open the door to higher-paying site roles.
• Forklift licence – Often useful in logistics, warehouse, and site supply roles within mining operations.

While not all FIFO roles require these tickets, having one or two can significantly increase your chances of securing your first job.