FIFO Work: Everything You Need to Know

FIFO jobs dominate the mining, oil and gas sectors, and the resources industry wouldn’t run without them. FIFO jobs are available for all levels of experience, and the industry is always looking for new talent.

Essential FIFO Facts

• FIFO stands for Fly In Fly Out. You may have also heard of DIDO, which stands for Drive In Drive Out.
• ‘Swing’ is another word for roster. If you hear someone refer to their ‘swing’, they are talking about their upcoming shifts—for example, a typical swing is 2 weeks on, 1 week off.
• The average travel time from hometown to the site is about half a day.
• Depending on your role, FIFO workers usually work 12-hour shifts.
• Australia has approximately 60,000 FIFO workers. The biggest FIFO hub is in Western Australia.
• Most mine sites are in remote areas. FIFO workers often stay in specially built living quarters a short distance from the mine when on-site. Your employer provides food and accommodation.
• There is a high demand for people to fill FIFO Jobs. Many FIFO jobs are available to those with no experience.

How to Get FIFO Jobs

Many FIFO jobs are available to those without industry experience, especially if you’ve worked in a field with transferrable skills. However, many roles will require you to obtain qualifications or complete an apprenticeship. Some of the FIFO jobs available in the mines include:

• Equipment and Machinery Operators
• Tradespeople (e.g. electricians)
• Mechanics (Heavy Diesel)
• Cleaners
• Project managers
• Nurses
• Transport staff
• Engineers

Look for an employer, such as Premium, that offers:

• Flexible rosters to suit your lifestyle
• Support services
• Top industry rates
• Positive company culture

FIFO Jobs in the Mines