What is Shutdown Work?
If you look at job listings in Western Australia, chances are that you will come across the term “shutdown jobs” or “shutdown work.” It refers to a type of job that’s related to a plant or worksite shutdown for upgrades, closing, maintenance, and so on. These jobs are usually temporary and are only available for the duration of a shutdown project.
In the context of Western Australia, shutdown jobs are common because Shutdowns Planning are an essential part of running the mines that are at the heart of the state’s economy. Scheduled shutdowns allow mines to be operated safely and efficiently. Without regularly planned shutdowns, chances are that the worksite will be going through an unplanned shutdown, which is almost always a bad thing.
While WA locals are largely familiar with what the term means, jobseekers from outside the state may not always understand what’s involved in these types of jobs, sometimes only finding out during the job interview. In this case, it’s helpful to know the advantages and disadvantages of shutdown work before you apply for a position.
Advantages of shutdown jobs
Shutdown jobs WA companies typically have available have a number of advantages. While these don’t apply to every single opening out there, these tend to be true of most of the common ones in Western Australia.
1.) A good introduction to an industry.
Shutdown jobs are a good way to get acquainted with the industry you want to make a career in. They can also be of benefit when you start training for more specific roles that may command a higher rate within your industry.
2.) No long-term commitment.
Not everyone wants or needs to commit to a job. Sometimes temporary income is all you really need. In this case, shutdown jobs are great for students, backpackers, and other people who don’t necessarily want to work in the industry for the long-term.
3.) Valuable professional training.
All workers will typically receive valuable training on safety procedures as well as the operation of certain types of equipment. This can be invaluable if you want to get certified for certain positions and want to work in the industry full-time.
Disadvantages of shutdown jobs
Here are a few disadvantages that often apply to many shutdown jobs in Australia.
1.) Possibility of being assigned to remote locations
Shutdown jobs Australia-based businesses offer are quite often in very remote locations that are a long drive away from any settlement, let alone major urban centres. This distance can be quite disruptive for a number of people who may have to drive to the site if their employer doesn’t fly their employees to it.
2.) Limited benefits
Like any temporary worker, those in shutdown jobs may not always enjoy all the perks and benefits that come with working with a company full-time.
Check out Premium Mechanical to learn more about shutdown jobs.
