Most people trying to break into FIFO make the same mistake: they only apply for jobs through SEEK.
SEEK is important, but it is only one channel. Recruitment agencies and labour hire companies supply workers to mine sites, shutdowns, maintenance projects, drilling companies and remote camps across Australia. Some positions are filled directly from an agency’s existing candidate database before they are widely advertised.
That means registering with the right agencies can put you in front of recruiters who are actively trying to fill FIFO positions.
This guide covers the main FIFO recruitment agencies in Australia, the roles they commonly recruit for and how to register properly so you have a better chance of receiving a call. For the complete step by step process of preparing for FIFO, choosing suitable entry pathways and improving your applications, read the FIFO Success Guide.
How FIFO Recruitment Agencies Work
Recruitment agencies and labour hire companies operate between workers and mining employers.
A mining company, contractor or camp services provider tells the agency what workers they require, including the roles they need filled, required licences and tickets, previous experience, location and point of hire, roster requirements and mobilisation timeframes. The agency then searches its candidate database, contacts suitable applicants and manages the recruitment process.
In many cases, you will be employed by the labour hire company rather than the mine itself. Your payslip may come from WorkPac or Programmed while you are working on a major iron ore, gold or coal operation.
This is why being registered in an agency’s database matters. When a recruiter suddenly needs workers for a shutdown, project or roster vacancy, they may start by contacting candidates who are already registered, medical ready and available.
Do not wait until you see the perfect advertisement. Register before the opportunity appears.
Major National FIFO Recruitment Agencies
These are some of the larger recruitment and labour hire companies operating across multiple Australian mining regions.
WorkPac
WorkPac is one of Australia’s largest privately owned recruitment companies and supplies workers across mining, construction, industrial and resources projects in WA, QLD, NSW and the NT.
They recruit for positions including trades assistants, mine site labourers, operators, electricians, mechanical trades, shutdown workers and site support roles. They also provide an online candidate portal where you can manage your details, upload documents and apply for available roles.
Programmed
Programmed is a major staffing, maintenance and facility management company with operations across Australia. They have been engaged by large miners to fill significant workforce intakes, including FIFO roles across multiple rosters.
Because they recruit across mining, industrial services, maintenance, logistics and remote facilities, they are worth registering with even when your previous experience is outside mining.
Chandler Macleod
Chandler Macleod has been recruiting since 1959 and covers mining, resources, industrial and professional sectors throughout Australia.
Depending on current contracts and workforce demand, they may advertise positions including site support workers, trades assistants, operators, traineeships and experienced trades. Their large client base makes them another agency worth registering with, particularly if you are open to temporary, contract or labour hire work.
Hays
Hays operates a dedicated resources and mining recruitment division.
They generally recruit more experienced tradespeople, technical workers, supervisors and professionals, including electricians, mechanical fitters, boilermakers, maintenance planners and health and safety personnel. However, anyone with a trade qualification, industrial background or transferable experience should consider registering.
Techforce Personnel
Techforce is one of the larger privately owned recruitment companies in Australia, with a strong presence in FIFO recruitment, shutdowns, mining, hospitality and facilities management.
They recruit across a broad range of positions including utility workers, cleaners, kitchen hands, chefs, trades assistants, operators and shutdown personnel. Because they cover both entry level camp roles and experienced mining positions, they can be particularly useful if you are trying to secure your first FIFO opportunity.
AWX
AWX recruits for mining, civil construction, infrastructure, manufacturing and industrial projects across Australia.
Depending on the location and current client requirements, they may advertise FIFO and DIDO opportunities for operators, labourers, trades assistants, production workers and experienced tradespeople. AWX has a particularly strong presence in Queensland and also recruits for mining work in other Australian regions.
CoreStaff
CoreStaff provides labour hire and permanent recruitment services across Australia, including mining, oil and gas, construction, logistics and industrial operations.
Their mining vacancies can include mobile plant operators, fixed plant workers, electricians, tradespeople, shutdown personnel and labourers. Some positions require previous mine site experience, but they also periodically advertise opportunities that can help applicants gain their first FIFO exposure.
Randstad
Randstad is a large international recruitment company with dedicated mining, resources, engineering, construction and trades divisions in Australia.
Their vacancies range from operational and trades positions through to engineering, technical and professional roles. Applicants should search by both occupation and location because FIFO positions may appear under mining, construction, engineering or trades rather than under a dedicated FIFO category.
Protech
Protech provides workforce and labour hire services to the mining, resources, civil construction, maintenance, rail and infrastructure sectors.
They recruit for positions including mobile plant operators, dump truck operators, electricians, boilermakers, mechanical fitters, process technicians, storepersons, drill and blast workers and FIFO maintenance personnel. Protech also operates selected new-to-industry mining programs, although availability depends on location and client demand.
One Key Resources
One Key Resources specialises in managed workforce services, labour hire and recruitment for mining, resources, energy and infrastructure projects.
They recruit operators, tradespeople and support workers for open-cut and underground operations across Australia. Available arrangements may include FIFO, DIDO, BIBO and residential work, depending on the mine and departure location.
Stellar Recruitment
Stellar Recruitment operates in Australia and New Zealand and recruits across mining, resources, energy, engineering, construction and related technical sectors.
They have offices in both Perth and Brisbane and can be useful for applicants targeting Western Australian or Queensland mining operations. Their vacancies commonly suit experienced operators, tradespeople, engineers, technical personnel and mining professionals.
Synergie Australia
Synergie Australia recruits across mining and resources, manufacturing, engineering, construction, facilities services, transport and logistics.
Their mining division supports FIFO, DIDO and site-based recruitment, while their facilities services work may include cleaners, hospitality workers, maintenance personnel and site support staff.
Trojan Recruitment Group
Trojan Recruitment Group is a national recruitment company providing labour hire, contract and permanent staffing.
Their mining, resources and energy division recruits blue-collar workers ranging from dump truck operators and production personnel to qualified tradespeople. The types of roles available vary between states and client projects.
Perth and Western Australian FIFO Agencies
Anyone targeting FIFO work from Perth should also register with agencies that specialise in Western Australia’s mining and resources sector.
Pearl Recruitment Group
Pearl Recruitment supplies workers to mining, construction and engineering projects throughout Western Australia and is particularly active in shutdown and project recruitment.
Shutdown work can be a practical way for people with suitable tickets, trade skills or industrial experience to gain their first mine site exposure.
RecruitWest
RecruitWest is a Western Australian recruitment company with over 20 years in the mining and resources space, recruiting for both Perth based and FIFO positions across the state, including mining, engineering and logistics roles.
Scotford Fennessy
Scotford Fennessy is a Perth recruitment company with a dedicated mining and resources division covering underground mining, open pit operations, technical services and professional positions throughout the Pilbara, Goldfields and other mining regions.
Many of their roles require previous mining or technical experience, but they are still worth considering if you have strong transferable qualifications.
THE resources HUB
THE resources HUB is a Perth based recruitment company focused on mining, resources and FIFO employment. They also provide career guidance and support for workers attempting to transition from other industries into resources roles.
KCA Site Services
KCA Site Services specialises in mining, construction and FIFO recruitment throughout Western Australia. Depending on current client demand, they recruit for roles ranging from labourers and entry level workers through to operators, tradespeople and management positions.
MPI
MPI is a specialist mining recruitment agency based in Perth and recruits for temporary, permanent and executive mining positions across Australia.
Their vacancies cover production operators, trades, maintenance, mineral processing, geology, surveying, mining engineering, health and safety and technical services. Many positions require previous mining experience, but applicants with strong trade, industrial or technical backgrounds should still register.
Mining Employment Services
Mining Employment Services, commonly referred to as MES, is a specialist recruiter for contract and permanent mining personnel.
They recruit for underground and surface mining, mineral processing, geology, maintenance, technical services and operational positions throughout Western Australia. Their vacancies generally favour experienced workers, although trades assistant and support opportunities may occasionally become available.
Marble Recruitment
Marble recruits throughout Australia across mining, construction, engineering and infrastructure.
Its mining division regularly advertises FIFO and residential positions for underground operators, heavy diesel fitters, auto electricians, maintenance personnel, supervisors, engineers and technical workers. Some opportunities are available to workers transferring from heavy machinery, agricultural or industrial maintenance backgrounds.
Zenith Search
Zenith Search is a Perth recruitment company working across mining, industrial services, construction, engineering, transport and logistics.
Their FIFO vacancies may include civil plant operators, drill and blast workers, polywelders, tradespeople, engineers, supervisors and project personnel. Most operational vacancies require demonstrated experience on similar machinery or projects.
Silverstone
Silverstone is a Western Australian mining services company with a dedicated recruitment division.
They recruit for FIFO, residential, contract and permanent positions across mining, mineral processing, maintenance and operations. Vacancies can include dump truck operators, crusher operators, process technicians, underground workers and experienced tradespeople.
Unite Resourcing
Unite Resourcing is a Perth-based recruitment and labour hire company supplying workers across mining, construction, facilities management, infrastructure, oil and gas and renewable energy.
Their FIFO vacancies can include utilities, tradespeople, operators, construction workers and mining professionals. Their facilities management division makes them relevant to both experienced mining workers and applicants with camp services backgrounds.
Fetch Recruitment
Fetch Recruitment operates across mining and resources, civil infrastructure, construction, engineering, maintenance and trades.
Their Western Australian mining division recruits for FIFO and DIDO positions including production operators, crushing personnel, heavy diesel fitters, supervisors, tradespeople and technical workers. Many vacancies require previous experience, but they are particularly useful for applicants transferring from heavy equipment, civil or industrial maintenance work.
2XM Recruit
2XM Recruit specialises in mining, rail, engineering, logistics, warehousing and health and safety recruitment across several Australian states.
In Western Australia, they recruit for FIFO construction, shutdown, maintenance, electrical, mechanical, civil and mining roles. Their shutdown and project vacancies can be useful for qualified workers attempting to build experience across major WA mine sites.
Category 5 Labour Management
Category 5 Labour Management provides recruitment and workforce services across mining, marine, rail, civil construction and industrial operations.
Their Western Australian vacancies can include industrial services workers, rail personnel, operators, labourers, tradespeople and shutdown workers. Applicants based in Perth, Port Hedland and other regional centres should monitor their vacancies separately because departure points and residential requirements vary.
Skillforce Recruitment
Skillforce Recruitment is a Perth labour hire and recruitment agency supplying workers to mining, oil and gas, construction, shutdown and industrial projects.
They recruit both individual workers and larger crews for local and FIFO assignments. Their vacancies can include tradespeople, shutdown personnel, construction workers, labourers and industrial support roles.
Sure People Solutions
Sure People Solutions is a Perth recruitment and labour hire company operating across mining, construction, engineering, defence and industrial sectors.
They recruit for both local and FIFO work, including shutdowns, rigging, crane operations, trades assistance, construction and maintenance positions. Shutdown assignments may provide suitable workers with an opportunity to gain experience across different WA mine sites.
Perth Recruitment Services
Perth Recruitment Services recruits across several Western Australian industries and has a specialist FIFO recruitment division.
They work with mining and resources employers and may advertise operational, industrial, trades, administration and site support positions. Applicants should register their details as well as applying for individual vacancies.
Drilling and Entry-Level FIFO Recruitment Specialists
Redfield Resources
Redfield Resources specialises in mining, drilling, engineering, maintenance, construction and facilities management recruitment.
They are particularly relevant to applicants interested in drilling careers and regularly recruit drillers, drilling personnel, drill fitters, tradespeople and drillers offsiders. Some offsider positions accept applicants without previous mining experience, but candidates generally need a strong history of physically demanding work and must meet strict licence, fitness and medical requirements.
Niche Resources Group
Niche Resources Group is a Perth-based blue-collar recruitment company specialising in drilling and entry-level FIFO mining employment.
They recruit experienced drilling workers as well as applicants seeking entry-level drillers offsider opportunities. These positions are physically demanding and should not be treated as an easy pathway into mining, but they can provide genuine career progression for suitable applicants.
Entry Level and Camp Services Recruitment Agencies
If you do not have a trade or operating experience, do not focus exclusively on dump truck and machinery roles. Camp services, shutdown labouring, drilling support and trades assistant positions are often more realistic starting points.
Aroha Services
Aroha Services recruits workers for remote facilities and mining camps, including FIFO utility workers, cleaners, kitchen hands, chefs, site administrators and camp support personnel.
Camp services positions can provide valuable site experience and help you establish a FIFO employment history. These are exactly the kinds of roles covered in our guide to FIFO utility jobs with no experience.
Evolve Talent
Evolve Talent recruits across mining, construction and engineering, with offices in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Their multi state presence may be useful if you are applying from outside Western Australia.
Globe 24-7
Globe 24-7 specialises in mining recruitment across Australian and international resources projects. Their opportunities often lean towards experienced, technical and professional positions, but they also publish useful information for applicants interested in mining careers.
Do Not Rely on Only One Recruitment Agency
Registering with an agency does not guarantee that a recruiter will contact you or place you into a FIFO position.
Recruitment companies normally search their candidate database when a client requests workers with particular experience, licences, tickets, availability and location. Register with several relevant agencies, keep your profile updated and continue applying directly for suitable vacancies.
Avoid submitting applications for every position advertised by the same company. Focus on roles that genuinely match your background and make sure your resume clearly lists your licences, tickets, machinery experience, roster availability, location and previous mine site or industrial experience.
How to Register With FIFO Recruitment Agencies
Uploading the same generic resume to ten agencies is not enough. You need to make yourself easy for a recruiter to find, assess and mobilise.
1. Get the Basic Requirements Sorted
Before registering, make sure you have the basics for your target role. Depending on the position, this may include Australian working rights, a current driver’s licence, a White Card, a National Police Clearance and role specific tickets.
If you are missing the White Card, start with our guide on how to get a White Card in Australia. And do not purchase every mining course you see advertised. Identify the role you are targeting first, then confirm which tickets employers regularly request. Our breakdown of FIFO tickets in Australia explains which ones are actually worth your money.
2. Fix Your Resume Before Uploading It
Recruitment agencies deal with large volumes of applicants and commonly use applicant tracking systems to search their databases. Recruiters search using keywords such as trade assistant, utility worker, forklift, Working at Heights, Confined Space, shutdown and available immediately.
If your qualifications, licences, job titles and availability are missing or buried inside paragraphs, your resume may never appear in those searches. Your resume should make it immediately clear what role you are targeting, what tickets you hold, what transferable experience you have, where you are located, which rosters you will accept and when you are available.
Our guide on ATS resumes for mining jobs explains how to format yours so it gets found. If you want it reviewed against real FIFO recruitment standards, our resume optimisation service does exactly that.
3. Register Directly on the Agency’s Website
Applying for an agency’s SEEK advertisement may only place you in the recruitment process for that specific position. Registering through the agency’s own website can place your details in its wider candidate database.
Look for options such as Register, Join Our Talent Community, Submit Your CV or Create a Candidate Profile. Complete the entire profile rather than uploading a resume and leaving the remaining sections blank.
4. Apply for Suitable Advertised Roles
Once registered, apply for positions that genuinely match your experience, location and tickets. Avoid applying for every role the agency advertises.
Applying for underground, electrical, cooking, administration and haul truck jobs with the same resume makes it look like you have no clear direction. Choose a realistic entry pathway and tailor your applications around it. If you are not sure what that pathway looks like, our FIFO entry pathway guide walks through it step by step.
5. Follow Up With the Recruiter
After registering or applying, contact the agency and ask to speak with the recruiter responsible for your target area. Keep the call brief and professional.
You could say: “Hi, I’ve registered online and applied for your FIFO trade assistant positions. I’m based in Perth, hold a current White Card, Working at Heights and Confined Space, and I’m available immediately. I just wanted to introduce myself and confirm you have everything you need from me.”
The purpose is not to pressure the recruiter. It is to make sure your profile is complete and put a voice to your name. Recruiters place people they remember.
6. State Your Availability Clearly
Labour hire companies often need to fill vacancies quickly. Your resume and candidate profile should clearly state your current location, your notice period, your preferred point of hire, which FIFO rosters you will accept, whether you are available for shutdowns and whether you can mobilise at short notice.
“Available immediately for FIFO, shutdown and casual opportunities from Perth” is far more useful to a recruiter than “seeking mining work.”
7. Keep Your Documents Ready
Recruiters may ask for your documents as soon as they contact you. Keep clear digital copies of your driver’s licence, work rights documentation, White Card, Police Clearance, trade certificates, tickets and references.
Make sure your tickets are current and that the name on each document matches your identification.
8. Prepare for the Medical
Agency recruitment processes can move quickly, and the pre employment medical is where unprepared candidates fall over. You may be required to complete a medical assessment, drug and alcohol screening, hearing and lung function tests and a functional capacity assessment.
Do not assume a verbal offer means the position is guaranteed. Employment is commonly subject to passing the required medical, background checks and client approval. Read our guide on the FIFO mining medical so nothing catches you off guard.
Common Mistakes When Using Recruitment Agencies
Registering With Only One Agency
Different agencies hold contracts with different mining companies, contractors and projects. Register with several reputable agencies rather than relying on one recruiter to find you work. There is no cost to you.
Uploading a Generic Resume
A generic resume makes it difficult for recruiters to understand where you fit. Your application should be targeted towards a specific role or closely related group of roles. This is the same problem covered in our guide to mining job application mistakes.
Ignoring Unknown Phone Numbers
Recruiters often call from numbers you will not recognise. When they are filling a position urgently, they may move to the next available candidate if you do not answer or return the call promptly.
Being Vague About Availability
Statements such as “open to opportunities” do not give the recruiter enough useful information. State exactly when you can start, where you can fly from and which rosters you will accept.
Applying for Roles You Are Not Qualified For
Constantly applying for jobs that require licences or experience you do not have will not improve your chances. Target realistic entry level positions and build your mining experience from there.
Only Applying for Operator Jobs
Many people assume dump truck operating is the easiest way into FIFO. In reality, entry level operator positions can attract hundreds or even thousands of applicants.
Depending on your background, you may have a better chance targeting utility work, cleaning, drillers offsiding, trades assistant roles, shutdown labouring, warehousing or camp services. Once you are on site, moving into other roles becomes far easier.
Recruitment Agencies Are Only One Part of Your FIFO Strategy
Agencies can create opportunities, but they should not be your entire job search.
A strong FIFO application strategy includes registering with multiple labour hire companies, applying directly to mining contractors and camp services providers, creating an optimised SEEK profile, setting job alerts, tailoring your resume and following up professionally. If you have not already, read our guide on how to apply for FIFO jobs to make sure your direct applications are landing.
Keep your agency profiles updated whenever you receive a new ticket, change your availability or gain additional experience. Recruiters cannot place you if they cannot find you, cannot contact you or cannot quickly confirm that you meet the requirements.
Register widely, present your experience clearly and make yourself easy to mobilise. That is how agency placements happen.
For the full process, including entry pathways, tickets, resumes, applications, interviews and preparing for your first FIFO role, get the FIFO Success Guide. And if you want tailored guidance on which agencies and roles suit your specific situation, you can book a consultation and get direct answers based on real industry experience.
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