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Mining Ground

FIFO Worker " Everything You Need To Know About Becoming A FIFO Worker

FIFO Worker : As the mining sector continues to prove a gold mine for jobs and companies desperate for willing workers, it’s no surprise that flying in and flying out is becoming more popular with young professionals. We met with Darren Janson who recently changed careers from offering digital marketing for home inspectors and SEO for home inspectors to a FIFO role in WA so we can get real-world information for you.

With natural resources a plenty in rural areas, FIFO – fly-in-fly-out, as it’s better known – is providing the opportunity for job seekers in many industries (that you can get employed using fast RPL qualifications if you have experience) to work in remote areas without the need to relocate. 

What is FIFO work?

FIFO or otherwise “Fly-in-fly-out” is the term used to describe someone who flies to a job site to complete work (usually over the course of a week or two) before flying home when the job is done. 

Typically, the role is reserved for people who have to complete jobs in rural towns or when they are not within driving distance. DIDO (drive-in-drive-out) operates similarly but instead workers commute via car or bus – trips generally take around half a day. 

While they work away from home, usually their accommodation, meals and some recreational activities are covered by their employer. The pay is also significant to make up for the inconveniences.

FIFO workers also work long hours – usually 12-hour shifts – and seven days a week on site with very little downtime. The most common roster arrangements are 14 days on, 14 days off and 7 days on 7 days off. 

Despite the benefits, plenty of FIFO workers struggle with their mental health due to the long periods of time spent away from family and friends. It’s harder to make social engagements and attend important milestones for your kids. With locations in rural areas, workers also have to deal with extreme conditions. 

As such, state governments have implemented support programs to help workers who may be at risk. 

What are the fastest growing FIFO jobs?

With the increase in construction comes a boom in supporting industries and jobs. We have seen a massive surge in demand for roles such as building and pest inspections Perth, Brisbane Arborists, Physiotherapists (FIFO work tends to be quite hard on the mind and body; this is where physio's come in) and many more.

How do you get into FIFO work with no experience?

Although mining opportunities are the most common form of FIFO work, a lot of other industries are prepared to fly you in and out. From cleaners to kitchen staff, there is a huge variety of options available. 

For many workers with no experience, jobs are available in roles that demand long hours and which are physically laborious. Entry level jobs include driving machinery and carrying heavy equipment. Although some employers don’t expect experience, if you work in the mines, you’re still required to do an induction cause in mining so you understand the safety protocols. 

Consider some of the transferable skills you may have. Job sites still need other staff apart from those working the mines, especially in the hospitality sector. Once you manage to pick up FIFO work, it’s much easier to move around and up the job ladder.

Where is the most FIFO work in Australia?

There are approximately 60,000 FIFO workers in Australia and this is fuelled by the large resource sector in the country. With a strong demand for our exports, many mining companies require a huge workforce in remote areas. 

In the country, because most FIFO work is done in the mines, the biggest opportunities are in Western Australia. While there are many jobs in Perth, you can also find work on the other side of the country. Islands like the Whitsundays have a huge demand for FIFO workers, especially in the hospitality sector. Luxurious resorts are always on the lookout for kitchen staff who can fly in, fly out.


Looking for a career change? Qualify Me! can help you get recognised for your experience so far using RPL which means no time off work and no classroom study. Simply use your existing industry experience to get your qualification and begin to enjoy increased earnings, be able to apply for your industry ticket/licence and start your own business. So really, what are you waiting for? Simply start your free 60 second skills assessment now to see what you're really work.

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48 comments on “FIFO Worker " Everything You Need To Know About Becoming A FIFO Worker”

  1. Hi there, I'm looking for some guidance, we have just relocated to Perth from New Zealand. My partner is a diesel mechanic and wants to go on the mines and I have experience in cleaning/bar work but am open to any entry level role, how do we go about getting on the mines together so we get the same time off etc? No luck so far.
    Thank you

      1. Hi Ruben , I don’t have any experience or educational background regarding the fifo field but I have so much interest in doing those fifo jobs . Do I need to obtain some sort of certification or is there any way that I can get into that without having any experience/ background? Thanks

  2. An o have information on what to study.im 47 and would like to start work as a fifo worker.im based in zimbabwe

  3. Hello! Me and my friend Megan are interested in being a FIFO worker, we both have experience with house keeping, bar work and waitressing.

  4. Hi dear, I am looking for a drilling assistant opportunity but I don’t have any experience in the mining industry

  5. I am looking to get into FIFO work at entry level being cleaning working in kitchen outdoors.

  6. Hello my name is Shannon I have no experience but am looking to getting work as a cleaner in the mines would it be better if I get a certificate in domestic and commercial cleaning first

  7. Hi there! I don't have experienced yet. however, I have experienced providing good customer service.

  8. hello am in Ghana , I don't have an experience in mining but have experience in security, care job and kitchen hand and wish to join

  9. Hi,I'm 42 and I have experience in hospitality,working in cafeteria and also cashier experience.From Papua New Guinea.

  10. Hi there,
    l would like ask about job please?
    Actually lm student at TAFE.
    Also l looking for job,
    l have cer lll English for farther study l can read write and speak English well, can you find job please.
    l can star experience.

    Thank you
    Kind regards
    Sanaa Sakran

  11. Good day !
    Hi,I am interested working in mines experience with Dining attendant,Catering and housekeeping.How ever,I have no FIFO experience never work in mines yet.I am fit and healthy numerous experience in housekeeping industry

  12. Hi, I'm Margret a Nigerian based in Portharcourt,my husband is a good driver and I am good with cleaning jobs and teaching kids since I am a early childhood teacher but we are open for any entry level jobs.thank you

  13. Hi
    Im hoping you can help-im a 54 years old living in NZ hoping to relocate
    Iv got 25years in the civils and building industry
    i want to get into the mines but dont know where to start-im looking for a digger operator position and im willing to fly over to get all the correct tickets first
    can you perhaps point me in the right direction
    thanks
    Howard Gough

  14. Hi there I am moving to Brisbane Australia next year at the end of February and want to find a career in the FIFO field I have mainly worked on the road working industry but have no experience in the mines how do I get started?

  15. Hi, I’m from the UK AND I’m currently working as a traffic management operative, I also have experience in construction work. But I would like to get an opportunity to work in mining industry, I’m really interested but don’t know how to get more information about wot training courses I need to do and how to apply for a job. Please could you point me in the right direction, Thankyou!!!

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