Quick Answer
To get mining tickets in Australia: pick the role you want and list the tickets real job ads ask for, confirm the state and commodity requirements, train with a Registered Training Organisation that has the unit on its scope, lodge a licence application with your state WHS regulator for High Risk Work classes, and book your medical early. Site inductions and verifications of competency are issued by the mine operator or contractor once you are engaged.
What a "ticket" actually is
Mine sites use "ticket" loosely for three different things: a statement of attainment from an RTO, a licence issued by a state regulator, and a site-issued induction or verification of competency. They are not interchangeable, and confusing them is the most common reason a candidate gets turned back at the gate.
Requirements differ by state, commodity and mine operator, so treat the list below as a starting point and confirm against the specific site's contractor requirements.
The tickets Australian mine sites commonly ask for
General mining induction
Queensland uses Standard 11 (surface or underground). Other states rely on state or site-specific general inductions. This is usually the first thing a recruiter asks for.
Construction Induction Card (White Card)
Required for construction work and commonly requested for mine site civil, shutdown and maintenance activity.
High Risk Work Licence classes
Forklift, dogging, basic/intermediate/advanced rigging, EWP over 11m, crane classes and pressure equipment. Issued by the state WHS regulator after RTO assessment.
Safety competencies
Working at Heights, Confined Space, Gas Test Atmospheres, Enter and Work in Confined Spaces, Fire Extinguisher, Provide First Aid, Low Voltage Rescue.
Plant operator competencies
Nationally recognised units for haul truck, excavator, dozer, loader, grader and water cart — then a site verification of competency on the actual machine and configuration.
Medicals and clearances
Coal Board medical (QLD/NSW coal), pre-employment and drug and alcohol screening, and often a police check or working rights evidence.
Six steps to get your mining tickets
- 1
Decide the role first, then the tickets
A trades assistant, a plant operator, a boilermaker and a shutdown rigger need different cards. Read five real job ads for the role you want and list every ticket they name — that list is your target, not a generic bundle sold as a package.
- 2
Confirm the state and commodity rules
Queensland coal, NSW coal, WA mining and NT operations each have different induction and medical requirements. Check the relevant state resources regulator and the mine operator's own contractor requirements before you pay for anything.
- 3
Choose a Registered Training Organisation carefully
Only an RTO with the unit on its scope can issue a valid statement of attainment. Verify the RTO and its scope on training.gov.au, and be wary of anyone promising a job with the course.
- 4
Complete training and assessment
Most safety tickets are one to two days. High Risk Work classes include practical assessment, and you then lodge a licence application with your state WHS regulator with photo ID and the assessment summary.
- 5
Get the medical and clearances in order
A coal board medical or pre-employment medical is often the long pole in the schedule. Book it early — many candidates lose a start date waiting on a medical rather than a ticket.
- 6
Keep evidence current and portable
Store clear scans of every card with its expiry date and the issuing RTO or regulator. Contractors and mine operators will ask for evidence at onboarding, at every site mobilisation and at client audit.
Where to verify requirements
Rules change, and ticket names differ between states. Check the primary sources rather than a training provider's marketing page:
- training.gov.au — confirm an RTO is registered and has the unit on its scope.
- Your state work health and safety regulator — High Risk Work Licence classes and application process.
- The state resources or mines safety regulator — general induction and medical requirements for coal and metalliferous operations.
- The mine operator's contractor requirements pack — the final word on what gets you through the gate.
If you employ ticketed workers
Holding the tickets is the worker's half. Proving currency at every mobilisation and audit is the contractor's half — and that is where spreadsheet matrices fail.
Frequently asked questions
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