MINING jobs were highly advertised in South Australia in the last quarter of 2023, with 40 per cent of those advertised jobs located in regional SA.
The SA Mining and Energy Hiring Intentions report showed 918 job advertisements were placed for roles in the state’s resources and energy sector between October and December 2023.
This was the highest level of jobs advertised in this period since 2013, when the Resources and Energy Skills Alliance (RESA) began producing the report.
This record demand for skills follows upward trends in mining activity and investments in energy projects.
Vacancies were advertised across a wide range of professions, with the top three categories advertised being trades and operators at 54 per cent, professionals at 29 per cent and supervisors and managers at 9 per cent.
Diesel mechanics, mechanical fitters and health, safety and environment advisors are amongst the roles in high demand, as well as mining engineers and project managers.
Minister for energy and mining Tom Koutsantonis said the records show that the energy and mining sectors are key driver’s of the South Australian economy, helping to boost jobs and building prosperity for those in the state.
“These figures clearly demonstrate that South Australia’s resources are highly sought-after globally as they continue to play a critical role in decarbonising our economy and supporting the world’s transition to clean energy,” he said.
“It is particularly pleasing that well over a third of these jobs are located in our state’s regions. These sectors are vital to the prosperity of our regional communities and to the state’s economic transformation.
“Our state is delivering the raw materials and value-added products needed to drive the energy transition globally, including copper, steel and hydrogen.”
Mr Koutsantonis said the jobs boom is helping to create opportunities for South Australians with a wide range of skills, from operating heavy equipment or honing a complex spreadsheet.
RESA chief executive officer Jodie Badcock said jobs in mining and energy have increased consistently over the past two years.
“Demand is strong across high volume occupations in trades and operations and in specialist roles providing critical industry-specific skills,” she said.
“Industry demand is diverse both by type of employment and geographical location.
“This highlights the importance of a collaborative approach to the development of workforce solutions aligned to industry priorities providing pathways to rewarding employment opportunities for South Australians.”
