South Australia bolstered by resources boom

The Resources and Energy Skills Alliance (RESA) has released its South Australian Mining and Energy Hiring Intentions report for the second quarter of the 2023–24 financial year (Q2 FY24).

The report found that 918 job advertisements were placed for roles with 235 companies in the South Australian resources and energy sector between October and December 2023.

This is the highest level of jobs advertised during this period since the RESA began producing the report in 2013 and represents a one per cent increase on the same period in 2022.

“These record results are more evidence that the energy and mining sectors are key drivers of our state’s economy, boosting jobs and building prosperity for all South Australians,” SA Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.

“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.”

The top ten in-demand jobs in SA during Q2 FY24 were:

1. diesel mechanic
2. mechanical fitter
3. health and safety advisers
4. drill fitter
5. mobile plant operator
6. boilermaker/welder
7. mining engineer
8. auto electrician
9. blast crew/rigger/electrician/maintenance supervisor
10. maintenance planner.

The top three job categories advertised were trades and operators (54 per cent), professionals (29 per cent) and supervisors/managers (nine per cent).

“Mining and energy vacancy activity has consistently increased over the past two years, with demand in each quarter consistently equalling or exceeding the equivalent period in the previous financial year,” RESA chief executive officer Jodie Badcock said.

Job vacancies continued to focus on the Adelaide region, with 54 per cent of jobs advertised there. However, 40 per cent of jobs advertised were in regional Adelaide.

“This jobs boom is creating opportunities for people with varieties of skills – whether you’re operating heavy equipment or honing a complex spreadsheet, there’s a job for you in South Australia’s resources sector,” Koutsantonis said.

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