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A global survey of over 5,300 job seekers sheds some light on the issues in the war for talent which the Mining sector continues to face. Demographics definitely play a significant part in the skills shortage but could the results have an impact on how this industry looks at attracting talent? This is the question being asked by Worldwide Recruitment Solutions (WRS), a specialist in recruiting for this sector, who have conducted this survey to identify trends within the marketplace.
Lucy Donald, a Director of WRS who has extensive experience of sourcing skills within the Mining industry, says, “Having recruited within this challenging sector for over six years now, WRS were keen to engage with job seekers and understand the industry from their perspective as recruitment in the Mining community is currently such a candidate driven market. The outcome is this survey, which we run as an annual activity to provide an in-depth insight into the marketplace for clients and job seekers alike.”
While its common knowledge that the mining sector is a male dominated one, it’s a concern that nearly 94% of respondents were male, showing that more investment is still needed in attracting skilled females into the industry. Over 32% of respondents are in the 35-44 age category with 30% within the 45-54 one and over 20% in the 25-34 category, so it is evident there is a lot of experienced talent in the market.
Experience and Specialisms in Mining
The respondents are predominantly specialists within mining management/mining engineering (32%), operations (30%) and Project Services: Controls, Planners, Estimators, EPCM (22%). With almost 24% of these having over 25+ years’ experience and nearly 19% in both the 6-10 and 11-15 years’ experience categories with over 16% in the 15-20 years’ category, there is definitely considerable skills and experience in the market for a new job. Obviously demographics and regional work preferences do play a part in where this talent are willing to work, so the survey also looked at geographic split and key motivators in why a new role is appealing.
Where and how does the Mining talent want to work?
Nearly 43% prefer to work for an Operator followed by 18% who prefer to work for a Consultant, both Contractor and EPM were the preference for nearly 11% respectively while only 8% showed a preference for an OEM. Nearly 41% of respondents prefer open pit, however nearly 48% had no preference between open pit or underground.
When asked their preference on rotational or residential working 35% prefer rotational and over 34% prefer Residential with almost 31% having no preference, although 48% work residential currently. When it came to permanent versus contract roles, 54% prefer permanent work with just 15% favouring contract roles while over 30% had no preference. Of those who do work regularly on contract nearly 38% have no preference over length of contract with nearly 22% preferring 24-36 months, nearly 22% preferring 12-24 months and over 15% preferring 36 months +.
When asked where individuals prefer to work geographically, giving them a choice of the key worldwide Mining regions to rate, over 53% prefer to work within Africa, almost 40% prefer South America, over 32% Canada and 31% Australia/New/Zealand. North America was rated as a preference by 29% and Europe 28%.
The deciding factors in choosing a new opportunity in Mining
Various factors are key for individuals when applying for a new role within Mining, with over 97% of respondents not surprisingly rating base salary/day rate as important/very important, while over 83% all rated career progression, health plan and leave/rotation as deciding factors when considering new opportunities.
Lucy summarises, “This survey sheds some light on where the talent is within the worldwide mining community and, more importantly wants to be, along with some key indicators to consider when attracting talent in the continuing skills scarce market this industry finds itself in.”
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the findings in this survey, would like support with your recruitment within Mining or you’re looking for that next job opportunity in the industry, then please contact WRS on +44 (0) 161 926 2525. www.worldwide-rs.com/annual-wrs-survey-results-2014
3 Comments
Johannes
So if the industry needs skilled people, what’s the problem right now? Plenty of geologists are out of work. I really do not understand the industry’s problem.
Other industries manage their staff better and do not need to retrench half their staff just because of bad economics, they keep them employed knowing they need them in the next up-turn.
Rod
As a veteran explorationist with international experience and an impressive list of discoveries made, I was in the job market from January 1013 until recently. The one thing that stood out in my mind was the total lack of engagement by the mining industry with potential employees. The entire industry has gone to robo reviews…
That is a BIG turn-off for me. I will never fill out another web site form, nor will I consider working for a company with a computer program-dominated HR office.
Samuel Patrick Senessie
I need a job now and can you employ me?