Your new-to-FIFO checklist

1. Can you apply yet?

• I live in Western Australia now. Many entry-level ads only consider people already living in WA.
• I have unrestricted working rights. Not sure? Ask a registered migration agent (MARA). We can't give visa advice.
• I'm comfortable with a pre-employment medical and a drug and alcohol test.
• I'm OK with long shifts (often 12 hours), physical work and serious heat, and I've talked the roster through with anyone at home.

2. Get these ready first

• Photo ID, and a full driver's licence (many ads want a full manual licence, some say no P plates).
• A National Police Certificate, about A$66. Some ads want one from the last 6 months, so don't get it too early.
• A CV with your tickets and licences near the top, in an Australian layout. Our CV Creator can do this for you.
• Tax file number and bank details handy for when an offer arrives.

3. Tickets: only the cheap, common ones before you have a job

• White Card (CPCWHS1001), A$65 to A$145. Commonly asked for. Legally needed only for construction work on mines.
• First Aid (HLTAID011), about A$180. Helps your CV.
• Labourer or offsider roles: Heights + Confined Space + Gas Test + Permit combo, A$550 for 2 days.
• HR truck licence, about A$990 to A$2,000. Needs a car licence held for 2+ years. A big plus for offsider and haul truck roles, but not a first purchase.

Prices are published provider prices we checked in October 2026 and change often.

4. Don't pay for these

• A pre-employment medical or drug test up front. The employer or labour-hire firm usually arranges and pays after you're shortlisted.
• Standard 11. It's for Queensland coal only, not WA sites.
• MARCSTA. It's discontinued, and WA sites run their own inductions.
• Big “new to mining” bundles (A$2,305 to A$2,995) before you've spoken to employers or recruiters.
• Simulator courses as a first step. Many employers train haul truck operators on site.
• Anything sold as a “guaranteed job”. Nobody can guarantee one, and paying for training before a job is a scam warning sign on Scamwatch.

5. Where and how to apply

• Apply direct on employer careers pages (BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Compass, ESS, Sodexo, Civeo), on SEEK, and with labour-hire firms.
• Keep a list of every application: role, date, company, and any reply.
• Tailor your CV to each ad. Put the matching tickets and experience first.
• Expect lots of applicants per job. Keep applying.

6. Before you accept an offer

• I know the roster (days on / days off), where I fly or drive from, and who pays for travel.
• I know what the employer pays for (medical, inductions, tickets) and what I do.
• I've checked the job is real. I have not paid anyone to get it.