Apprenticeship Process

Is An Apprenticeship Right for You?

Are you a good fit for a Macmahon mining apprenticeship?

Considering an apprenticeship in the mines, but not sure if you’re the right fit? Macmahon is looking for people who are curious, motivated, and genuinely interested in learning a trade.

You might have tinkered with engines, helped out in a workshop, or just always had an interest in how things work. If you're practical, committed, and keen to learn, there’s a place for you at Macmahon.

Register Today

What You’ll Learn

Starting life on the tools

Macmahon mining apprenticeships are designed to foster capable, reliable professionals who understand what it means to work safely, respectfully, and as part of a team.

Before you even step onto site, you’ll start building the habits, skills, and mindset that will carry you through your career in mining.

Learning the Macmahon Way

You’ll learn the skills that are essential across all the trades and make a real difference onsite: knowing what safety looks like and practising it every day, communicating across trades, managing shifting tasks and rosters, and taking genuine pride in your work. These habits are developed on the job and grounded in Macmahon’s values-led culture.

Rotational learning and site exposure

Training begins in our Perth-based workshop, where you’ll complete day shifts under close supervision. As you progress, you’ll rotate through day and night shifts and gradually build toward full site exposure, developing resilience, confidence, and a practical understanding of FIFO schedules, fatigue, and shift work.

Surface and underground experience

Depending on your trade, you’ll gain experience across both surface and underground operations, as well as with a range of machines. This diverse exposure will help you adapt to different conditions and prepare for long-term site-based work. (Underground electricians work solely in underground settings.)

What You’ll Learn

Learn the specialised skills of your trade on the job

Mobile plant mechanic apprenticeship

Learn how major systems work together across a wide range of mobile plant equipment. You’ll discover how mining machines work and how to keep them working. You'll cover engines, transmissions, hydraulics, electrical systems, and both wheeled and track machine maintenance, focusing on fault diagnosis for all types of mining and underground machines.

Auto electrician apprenticeships

Our auto electrician apprenticeship in the mines helps you build strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills for complex electrical systems. You'll master starting and charging circuits, battery systems, and reading wiring diagrams, to effectively diagnose faults across both mining and automotive systems.

Heavy-duty boilermaker apprenticeships

As a heavy-duty boilermaker apprentice, you'll gain hands-on welding and fabrication experience, including MIG, TIG, stick, and oxy-acetylene welding. You'll work with steel and aluminum, learning to shape and join materials, and perform tray and bucket relines and chassis repairs.

Underground electrician apprenticeship

Develop specialised skills for high-voltage work underground as an underground electrician apprentice. You'll install and upgrade drill power systems, wire and maintain ventilation fans, and perform statutory equipment inspections, with all training focused on underground operations.

A Macmahon mining apprenticeship is a supported, structured, and respected pathway into the mining industry. From your first day on the job, you’ll be treated like part of the team and set up for long-term success.

What this program means for you

Nationally recognised qualification

Your apprenticeship in mining leads to a formal trade qualification recognised across Australia and valued throughout the mining and resources sector.

Paid work from day one

You’ll be employed by Macmahon from the beginning of your apprenticeship, earning while you learn and gaining hands-on experience alongside skilled tradespeople.

Job-ready experience in mining

From workshop to site, surface to underground, your training is grounded in real-world conditions. By the time you qualify, you’ll be confident, capable, and ready to step straight into a full-time role.

Personal growth

As you build your skills, you’ll also build independence, self-belief, and resilience. Working FIFO or site-based shifts isn’t easy, but it fosters mateship, accountability, and a strong sense of purpose – skills that will set you up for life.

Direct path to employment

Once you complete your mining apprenticeship, your contract transitions from apprentice to full-time employee with Macmahon. Your next placement may be at a different site, but you’ll already have the skills, confidence, and adaptability to slot into any team.

A workplace to call home

With the strong relationships you build during training, the quality of your learning experience, and the meaningful career opportunities available within the business, it’s no surprise that 98% of apprentices choose to stay on with Macmahon after completing their trade.

The team is really good at making the work environment welcoming and is willing to adapt to us and how we learn instead of trying to mould us a certain way, which is awesome.

Hayley De Kleeer 2

Auto Electrician Apprentice

See Hayley's Story All People's Stories

How It Works

How our mining apprenticeship program is structured

Duration

A Macmahon mining apprenticeship is usually four years, with options to reduce this if you meet TAFE requirements. Shorter programs are also available for upskilling or trade upgrades, like moving from a heavy road transport mechanic to a mobile plant mechanic (about 12 months).

Dual-trade and trade upgrades

You can qualify in more than one trade. For example, if you’re already an auto electrician, you might upgrade to become a mobile plant mechanic, all under one mining apprenticeship.

Locations

You’ll complete all your training and work in Western Australia. After starting out at the Perth workshop, you’ll move on to any of our many surface and underground mine sites across WA.

Partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

Training is delivered by multiple registered training organisations, including OEMs like Westrac and Komatsu and TAFEs across WA. This gives you access to expert trainers and specialised equipment.

Rotations

First 24 months: workshop-based learning in Perth, focusing on skills and safety.

After that: rotations at mine sites to gain hands-on experience underground and on surface.

Contract transfer

Once you complete your apprenticeship and get signed off, you’ll move from your training contract to full-time work with Macmahon.

Next intake

Applications are open year-round. The main assessment day is usually in October. You can apply at any time to get started.

How to apply and what to expect

Step 1: Online application

Start by submitting your Expression of Interest through our online portal. This is your chance to introduce yourself and your background.

Step 2: Resume and questionnaire

Upload your resume and complete a questionnaire that asks about your experience, interests, and motivations.

TIP: Be honest and highlight any hands-on experience, teamwork, or problem-solving skills you have – even outside work or school.

Step 3: Assessment Day (October)

If selected, you’ll attend a half-day assessment. This day helps us get to know you better beyond your application.

Step 4: Meet the team

During the assessment day, you’ll have interviews with the Trade Development team and supervisors from the Perth workshop. Usually, this involves two people, a recruiter and a trade supervisor, who will ask questions about your skills and goals.

Step 5: Team building activity

You’ll join a small group (4 to 5 people) in a fun, practical team-building task designed to see how you communicate, collaborate, and solve problems together.

Step 6: Practical skillset test

You’ll demonstrate your hands-on skills in a test tailored to your trade area. For example, boilermaker applicants may be asked to read and mark out a technical drawing on steel.

Step 7: Receive your offer and start onboarding

If successful, you’ll receive an offer and start the onboarding process. This includes pre-employment medicals, police checks, and reference checks to make sure everything is set for your start.

Step 8: Start your apprenticeship!

Once everything is in place, you’ll officially join the team and begin your mining apprenticeship early in the new year.

Register Today

MacMahon mining support services vehicle

Your journey at a glance

Life as a Macmahon apprentice

Your first week

You’ll begin with a safety and workshop induction in Perth, where you’ll meet your crew, supervisors, and the broader team. You’ll receive your PPE and welcome pack, sign your training contract, and be introduced to Macmahon’s values and expectations. We’ll walk you through your tool list and optional tool-purchasing program and give you the info you need to settle in.

Your second week

You’ll complete key external training like first aid and working at heights (depending on your age), then return to the workshop for low-risk maintenance training like jacking and blocking or contamination control. You’ll be introduced to your supervisors, attend your first PSI (pre-shift instruction) meetings, and start joining your designated workshop section.

Your first year

In your first year, you’ll gain hands-on experience in our Perth workshop, supported by training blocks with our partner RTOs. This is where you’ll build your foundational skills in a controlled environment while learning how to work as part of a safe, reliable crew.

Your second year

You’ll remain at the Perth workshop but start rotating through night shifts to help you prepare for FIFO life. These shifts are run in a supportive environment to help you adjust safely to long hours, fatigue management, and changing routines, so you’re ready when the time comes to work on site.

Your third and fourth years

You’ll rotate through surface and underground mine sites across WA, with 9-month secondments that help you learn to adapt to different crews, sites, and equipment. You’ll continue learning on the job, supported by your supervisors and our trade development team.

The perks of apprentice life

A Macmahon mining apprenticeship gives you the best of both worlds: real experience in mining and strong support as you find your feet. You’ll be paid from day one, live on site or at home depending on your rotation, and be surrounded by a team that’s got your back. With meals and accommodation covered and a supportive team that’s got your back, you’ll be supported to do your best work and enjoy the journey.

Paid from day one
Meals and accommodation provided when on site
Workshop-based in Perth Airport, so you’ll live at home or locally
Supportive mentors and a team-first culture
Gyms and shared spaces

After Graduation

Where your mining apprenticeship can take you

Graduating from your apprenticeship is just the start of your career. At Macmahon, it’s common for apprentices to build long, successful careers – many of our team have been with us for decades. Your future is what you make it, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Secure a full-time role in mining with Macmahon

You're already part of the team, and 98% of our apprentices choose to stay with Macmahon, moving straight into permanent roles.

Step into leadership or specialist trades

Past apprentices now lead teams as supervisors and superintendents, or specialise in key technical areas.

Explore interstate FIFO and site-based career options

Gain the experience to thrive in surface or underground roles at our sites across Australia.

Frequently asked questions

What does a mining apprenticeship involve?

You’ll gain hands-on experience working on real machines in both workshop and mine site environments (surface and underground), while studying toward a nationally recognised trade qualification. You’ll rotate through locations and shift types, learning from a wide variety of skilled tradespeople.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

No formal qualifications are required. We’re looking for applicants who are keen to learn, open to feedback, and ready to take on a full-time trade role.

Is there an age limit for applying to a mining apprenticeship?

Macmahon’s mining apprenticeship has no upper age limit. You’ll just need to be at least 18 years old by the time you head to site, though you can start the program at 17.

Do I need previous mining experience?

Not at all. We don’t expect you to have mining experience, just the right attitude and a willingness to give it your best.

What support or training will I receive during the apprenticeship?

You’ll get full support from our dedicated trade development team, Perth-based supervisors, and onsite mentors. Your training includes hands-on tasks, formal learning through a registered training organisation (RTO), and additional qualifications like high-risk work tickets and first aid.

What type of roles can I expect to train for in mining?

You’ll train in one of several key trade areas: mobile plant mechanic, auto electrician, heavy-duty boilermaker, or underground electrician. Each offers a different pathway and skill set.

Can I complete this apprenticeship while working another job?

No, this is a full-time, paid role. You’ll be working and learning Monday to Friday (and sometimes night shifts or FIFO), so full commitment is essential.

Is it hard to get into a mining apprenticeship program?

It’s competitive, but if you’re genuinely interested, show initiative, and are ready to learn, you’ll stand out.

What happens after I complete the apprenticeship?

Most of our apprentices move into full-time roles with Macmahon. You can stay on the tools or grow into leadership, specialist trades, or other roles (some of our leaders today started as apprentices!)

What makes your mining apprenticeship program different?

We offer diverse site exposure, underground and surface experience, high-quality support, and extra training beyond trade requirements. Our apprentices rotate every 9 months, helping them grow faster and learn from more mentors.

Where will the apprenticeship take place?

You’ll start at our Perth-based workshop in Perth Airport, near Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. After two years, you’ll rotate through FIFO mine sites across Western Australia, gaining broad exposure to different locations, crews, and equipment.

Macmahon’s mining apprenticeships give you the training, support, and real-world experience you need to build a strong future in mining. Ready to get started?

Apply for a mining apprenticeship today.

Apply Now

Begin your career with a Macmahon Mining Apprenticeship