If you’re interested in training to become a dump truck operator in the mining industry, there are a few things you should know.
First, it’s important to have a positive attitude, and a strong interest in, and understanding of the mining industry. Second, you’ll need to be physically and mentally fit and able to pass ongoing drug and alcohol tests. And third, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s licence and a mining specific resume, targeted to the position.
Once you’ve met these requirements, you’ll be well on your way to beginning an exciting and rewarding career in the mining industry!
As a trainee Dump Truck Operator you will be taught how to safely operate, load and unload a dump truck. Most mines use Caterpillar (CAT), Komatsu and Hitachi dump trucks, you will gain an understanding of the maintenance requirements for these vehicles.
Most people think of driving a dump truck as simply backing up to a hole in the ground and dumping the load. However, there is much more to it than that!
Job description
Once you’ve been accepted into the traineeship, you’ll complete on-the-job training under the supervision of a dump truck operator or other experienced workers.
Working as part of the production mining team, trainees are responsible for moving ore, coal, sand or other material from the mining pit to the processing area, this could be a hundred meters away or 10kms. Some days you could do this trip 100 times, depending on the distance to the dump.
This takes a lot of practice and you will stuff it up!
The hours/roster you work will depend on the working agreement with the employer.
Duties of a Dump Truck trainee
A dump truck trainee is responsible for a few key tasks. They must learn how to
- Operate a dump truck
- Carry out Pre-Starts
- Keep the truck clean
- Conduct basic maintenance on the truck
- Follow safety procedures
- Safely transport materials
How much does a Dump Truck trainee earn?
Salaries vary depending on the company, location of the mine, roster, underground or surface mining, contract etc.
Some companies pay flat rates whilst others pay penalties and shift allowances. Working in Western Australian you can earn more than in QLD or NSW.
Labour hire companies are offering two year traineeships for dump trucks at $19ph. Its well known that it doesn’t take 2 years to be competent at operating a dump truck.
Its cheap labour for two years, $19ph for a trainee or $50ph for an experienced operator. Legally, by calling it a traineeship companies can have two years of an operator for less then minimum wage.
Another company in Queensland is paying their trainees $38ph. And just for the record $38ph flat rate on a 12hr shift working weekends and public holidays, works out to be a very low rate, when you consider if you worked at Macdonalds with penalties you’d be better off then on a flat rate of $38ph.
As you gain experience you can earn a higher salary than someone who is new to the industry.
Qualifications needed to get a Dump Truck traineeship.
In order to be accepted into a dump truck traineeship program, you will need to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. You will also need to be able to pass a background check and a drug test.