Specialist recruitment group Hays has investigated the demand for different jobs in most Australian states and territories in response to a growing interest in careers in the major resource sectors.

Hays Resource and Mining senior regional director Simon Winfield said people considering their study options should consider training in geology, engineering and other skills in demand as it would pay off in the future.

“High demand for our commodities is coming from China and an increase in demand is expected from India and other part of Asia,” Winfield said.

“As a result various studies point to a jump in the number of jobs on mining, oil and gas.”

In the resource heavy states of Western Australia and Queensland, Hays found mining engineers were in highest demand in the west while heavy diesel fitters took the top spot in Queensland.

“Over the next three to five years major expansion in Western Australia’s northwest iron ore industry is going to place a huge strain on an already limited stock of experienced mining personnel,” Winfield said.

“Queensland will see greatest demand for heavy diesel fitters in response to an increase in coal mining production, which would mean an increase in maintenance.”

The remaining top five spots in WA in order were geologists, mine surveyors, electricians and heavy duty diesel fitters.

While in Queensland mechanical fitters, underground electrical workers, oil and gas pressure welders and mining operators helped fill the top five.

“In our two-speed economy there will continue to be high demand for skills from companies involved in Australia’s mining boom,” Winfield said.

“These companies are adding headcount, focusing on staff development and retention and are actively planning strategies to help overcome the skills shortage.

“We receive upwards of 20 calls a week from people outside the industry asking us how they can break into a career in mining, oil or gas. There is an unprecedented interest in a career in this booming sector.”

In South Australia, the recruiters found the top two spots went to lead mechanical engineers, due to many lead engineers on major projects expected to retire soon, and mining engineers.

In the Northern Territory, geologists will be required for exploration activities in the early stage of ramping up followed by heavy duty diesel fitters.

Undermanagers and mine deputies will be needed for underground activities in New South Wales followed by electrical design engineers, while in Victoria mine planning engineers and mine geologists were in greatest demand.