THE latest mining and resources job data from industry specialists DFP Recruitment, released exclusively for AREEA members, shows there was a slight (1.6%) fall in job opportunities in December 2016, but overall the year-on-year results have been positive.
The DFP Mining and Resources Jobs Index shows all job opportunities in the sector increased 20.5% in 2016. Permanent vacancies were up 14.7% for the year while temporary and contractor opportunities lifted by 29.0% during 2016 over 2015 figures.
Analysis of the two key ‘resource states’ shows growth in the Queensland market far exceeding the national average at 33.9% over the year, while Western Australia achieved a more modest 7.6% rise in job vacancies.
Sector analysis includes the following findings:
- Metal Ore Mining continues to lead the market share in the sector with an increase of 18.1%, however Coal has had the most spectacular growth with vacancies increasing by 61.7% in 2016.
- Importantly, for the overall sector, oil and gas providers have also picked up their hiring activities, and while also coming off a low base, demand has increased by 34.3% year-on-year.
- Despite an increase in Exploration in December of 13.1%, job activity in this sector has fallen 19.8% over the year.
- It has been a tough market for engineering professionals, and although vacancies are still half of what they were in late 2013, with recent hiring activity, they are now 22.4% higher than a year ago.
- Despite a fall in December, vacancies for frontline Trades and Operators remains the strongest performing occupational category.
DFP Recruitment CEO, Robert van Stokrom, is positive about the future outlook for jobs growth.
“The broader trend indicates plenty of scope for further improvement in employment opportunities in the Mining and Resources sector in 2017,” he said.
