Why can’t I get a mining job?
Why Can’t I Get a Mining Job?
It’s a question I hear all the time:
“I’ve done everything I’m supposed to—completed my S11 generic induction and got all my tickets—but I still can’t land a mining job!”
Whenever I hear this, my first thought is, “What tickets—and why are you doing an S11?”
The reality is that the S11 is only required for Queensland’s coal mines. It has no relevance for hardrock mining or other states, yet many job seekers mistakenly believe it’s a universal requirement.
Understanding the correct qualifications for your target role can make all the difference in securing a mining job.
Onsite Inductions and Machinery Tickets Are Always Non-Transferable
Since I started mining in ’94, every mine I’ve worked on has required its own onsite induction and machinery tickets—none of which are transferable.
Hardrock mines (gold, nickel, copper, lead, zinc, rare earths, etc.) do not use the RII system or the S11 generic induction. Instead, each site enforces its own ticketing process, ensuring workers meet location-specific safety and operational requirements.
Even when transferring between sites under the same employer, I’ve always had to complete the full induction and retake the tickets for the new location. No mine has ever accepted an RII machinery ticket or allowed me to carry over previous site-based tickets.
Understanding this process early can save new starters time, effort, and money when preparing for a mining career.
I have never been required to complete, or asked to do the S11 generic induction.
Why?
The S11 Is Only Relevant to Queensland Coal Mines
The S11 generic induction is only required for coal mines in Queensland—it has no relevance in any other state. Coal operations in QLD make up roughly 10% of Australia’s total mining sector, with around 60 surface and underground coal mines across the region.
Despite this, the S11 is often marketed as a general mining requirement, leading many job seekers to mistakenly believe it applies to all mining roles nationwide. In reality, hardrock mines do not require the S11—understanding this can save job seekers unnecessary expenses and confusion.
The S11 Is Irrelevant for 90% of Mining Employers
Outside of Queensland’s coal industry, I don’t know of a single mining employer that requires—or even wants—their employees to complete the S11 generic induction.
To be clear, that means 90% of mining employers across Australia do not require the S11. A quick search takes all of two minutes to verify this fact, yet misinformation continues to circulate, leading many job seekers to waste time and money on an unnecessary qualification.
Understanding the correct entry requirements can make all the difference when applying for mining jobs.
Finding Hardrock Mining Jobs: What You Actually Need
If you type “underground” into Seek and check the listings, you’ll see a wide range of mining jobs—but take a closer look. None of the hardrock roles require an S11 or RII tickets. Those qualifications are only relevant for coal jobs in Queensland.
Hardrock employers prioritise experience, basic mining knowledge, and the right licenses. For underground roles, a manual car license is essential, while surface jobs may require a Heavy Rigid (HR) license. Unlike coal employers, hardrock mines do not ask for an S11 generic induction or an RII dump truck ticket.
Knowing what mining companies actually look for will save you time, money, and effort when applying for jobs.
Misleading Claims About the S11 Generic Induction
If you Google the S11 generic induction and check the training providers on the first page, you’ll see claims that it’s a nationally recognized qualification and that mining employers across Australia want candidates to have it.
In reality, the S11 is only required for coal mines in Queensland—it has no relevance in other states or in hardrock mining. However, training providers often use vague, open-ended statements to avoid accountability, such as:
“This course exceeds the requirements of most other interstate mining induction requirements (however, you should always check first with the mine about any specific requirements they may have).”
Or:
“The GI program is the most universally accepted induction program in Australian mining. However, individuals and contractors should confirm induction requirements with the site they will be working on before attending an induction to ensure the process aligns with site processes and is recognized by site.”
These statements subtly imply broad industry relevance while giving themselves an escape clause, leaving job seekers misinformed. Understanding what employers actually require can prevent unnecessary expenses and frustration.
Two different training providers claim that “everyone wants” the S11 but then advise job seekers to confirm induction requirements before signing up.
Really?
If you check with 90% of mines across Australia—all hardrock mines and coal operations in NSW—you’ll be told this induction is not required. Want proof? Call a gold mine currently hiring in NSW, WA, or even QLD and ask if they need an S11. You’ll get a simple answer: No.
In WA and NSW, you might even hear: “S what?”
Understanding real industry requirements will save job seekers time and money—and prevent them from falling for misleading claims.
Why Having RII Tickets and an S11 Won’t Get You a Job
When people say, “I’ve done everything—I have my RII tickets and S11—but I still can’t get a mining job,” this is exactly why.
From an employer’s perspective, receiving a resume filled with irrelevant tickets and an induction meant for Queensland’s coal industry signals one thing: this person doesn’t understand how hardrock mining works.
If you’re applying for a hardrock mining job, make sure your resume reflects the actual qualifications and experience that employers want—not training products marketed as “essentials” but unused by the industry.
Are You Presenting Yourself as the Right Type of Employee?
If this is the strategy you’ve developed after researching how to land a mining job, it’s easy to see why employers discard certain resumes in the first round. Instead of showing that you’re prepared, you’re demonstrating a lack of understanding of how their mine operates—and that’s a red flag.
If you want to get hired, you need to present yourself as someone who knows how the mine works and what will be expected on the job. Mining companies look for candidates who are ready to step into their environment with the right mindset—not just a list of irrelevant tickets and training.
Setting yourself up for success starts with understanding what employers actually want.
Understanding Mining Tickets: A Guide from Australian Mining for New Starters
This video, from our sponsored YouTube channel Australian Mining for New Starters, breaks down how tickets work in the mining industry.
Ready to Start Your Mining Career?
For more information on the basic requirements for working in mining, visit our Career Checklist page or explore our Workready and DIY Intro to Underground Mining packages—they’re designed to help you get started the right way.
If you’d like to speak with an experienced industry professional about launching your mining career, leave your details on our Enquiry Form page, and we’ll get in touch.
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