Mines Minister warns jobseekers about recruitment rort

Mines Minister Stirling Hinchliffe today warned jobseekers to do their research before signing up to agencies claiming to be recruiting for the resources industry.

"Shonky businesses are targeting jobseekers wanting to get a foot in the door in the mining industry," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"We're hearing about a number of businesses who are overstating the level of assistance they are able to offer jobseekers.

"The last thing we want to see is the hopes - or the hip pockets - of jobseekers being exploited by unscrupulous operators.

"These operations, usually set up online or at suburban shopping centres, offer, for a considerable fee, to include the jobseeker's resume on an exclusive recruitment database that they claim is used by resources companies.

"As far as we can tell, the database is fictitious and we have no evidence to suggest that these companies have links to resources companies or their recruiters.

"Jobseekers are very unli kely to gain employment as a result of using these firms."

"I urge anyone who has encountered a company like this and has concerns to contact Fair Trading on 13 74 68."

Mr Hinchliffe said there were many legitimate ways to get a foot in the door with resources companies, including the upcoming Work For Queensland expos.

"A wide range of major resource companies have already signalled that they will again be represented at the Work For Queensland Expos, and this will be a great chance for jobseekers to make direct contact with companies looking for skilled workers," he said.

"Confirmed exhibitors to date include Thiess, Origin Energy, Downer EDI Mining, Skilled, WorkPac and a number of industry skills bodies.

"As per the previous Expos, Government exhibitors will include TAFE and Skilling Solutions Queensland, as well as representatives from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Department of Education and Training and the federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations."

"The last Work for Queensland Expos were hugely successful and the interest generated unprecedented.

"Since then some 5,655 people have been referred to recruitment agencies by the resources companies and an additional 9,000 people approached labour hire companies directly at the Expos.

Work For Queensland Expos will be held in the following locations:

Logan - 1 February, 10am - 4pm
Logan Entertainment Centre, 170 Wembley Road, Logan Central

Ipswich - 3 February, 10am - 4pm
The Workshops Rail Museum, North Street, North Ipswich

Toowoomba - 7 February, 10am - 4pm
Clive Berghofer Events Centre, Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Road, Toowoomba

Boondall - 10 February, 12 noon - 6pm
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall

Employment, Skills and Mining
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
24/01/2012
Mines Minister warns jobseekers about recruitment rort

Permanent Link: Mines Minister warns jobseekers about recruitment rort
Publish Date: 24 Jan 12

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