Landing a FIFO job in Australia isn’t just about being willing to work long shifts in remote locations — it’s about having the right tickets, licences, and qualifications before you even set foot on site.
Employers won’t risk hiring someone who isn’t already “site ready.” From your very first day, you’ll need to prove you understand safety, can operate within regulations, and have the right national certifications.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to move into higher-paying trades or supervisory roles, this guide covers everything you need to know about the top training courses and licences for FIFO workers in 2025 — what they are, how much they cost, where to get them, and which companies are looking for them.
1. The Must-Have Entry-Level Tickets
White Card (Construction Induction)
The White Card is your non-negotiable first step. It’s proof that you understand the basics of workplace safety, hazards, and emergency procedures.
Course code: CPCCWHS1001
Duration: 1 day (online or in-person)
Cost: $90 – $150
Validity: Lifetime (though refreshers are often encouraged)
Recognised by: Every major contractor and mining company in Australia
Companies like BHP, Rio Tinto, CPB Contractors, Downer, and Monadelphous won’t let you on site without it.
Standard 11 (Mining Induction – QLD)
If you’re planning to work in Queensland’s Bowen Basin or Surat Basin, this is mandatory. It’s your proof of basic safety training for surface or underground mines.
Duration: 2–3 days
Cost: $300 – $600
Validity: 5 years
Recognised by: BMA, Anglo American, Glencore, Stanmore Resources, Peabody Energy
Even if you’re not in QLD, many employers Australia-wide still recognise it as a mark of safety awareness.
First Aid and CPR
Many FIFO roles — especially in utilities, camp support, or operations — expect current first aid qualifications.
Courses: HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid), HLTAID009 (CPR)
Duration: 1 day
Cost: $100 – $200
Renewal: CPR yearly, First Aid every 3 years
Employers like Compass Group, Sodexo, ISS, and Programmed Skilled Workforce often include this in their induction requirements.
National Police Check and Medical
Pre-employment checks are a standard requirement.
Police check: $40–$80, valid 12 months
Pre-employment medical: Includes fitness, hearing, lung function, and drug/alcohol test
Required by: BHP, Woodside, Rio Tinto, INPEX, Santos, Ventia, UGL
These aren’t technically “courses,” but without them, you can’t mobilise.
2. Essential Safety and Site-Specific Training
Working at Heights
Any role that involves elevated platforms or maintenance above ground level requires this ticket.
Course code: RIIWHS204E
Duration: 1 day
Cost: $250 – $400
Validity: 2–3 years
Required for scaffolding, mechanical, electrical, and shutdown teams across WA and QLD.
Companies: BHP, FMG, Woodside, Santos, Oz Minerals, CPB Contractors.
Confined Space Entry
This course prepares you to work safely in tanks, pits, and tunnels. It’s a standard requirement for processing plants and LNG facilities.
Course code: RIIWHS202E
Duration: 1 day
Cost: $250 – $400
Validity: 2–3 years
Companies: INPEX (Darwin), Glencore, South32, Chevron, Shell, and Origin Energy all demand confined space training for operators and technicians.
Gas Test Atmospheres
Teaches you to test air quality before entering confined or hazardous zones.
Course code: MSMWHS217
Duration: Half to full day
Cost: $200 – $350
Common roles: Permit holders, safety officers, process operators
Often packaged with Working at Heights and Confined Space courses through RTOs like Site Skills Training, Major Training Group, and TAFE Queensland.
3. High-Risk Work Licences
High-risk work (HRW) licences are nationally recognised and open the door to higher-paying jobs.
Forklift (LF)
Used in warehousing, logistics, and shutdown support, especially for FIFO storeperson and warehouse roles.
Duration: 2–3 days
Cost: $500–$800
Renewal: Every 5 years
Elevating Work Platform (EWP)
For operating boom lifts above 11m.
Course code: TLILIC0005
Duration: 2 days
Cost: $600–$900
Employers: Monadelphous, UGL, Thiess, and Ventia regularly advertise this.
Dogging and Rigging (DG/RB/RI)
Essential for lifting, crane, and construction operations, and a common pathway into FIFO crane operator jobs.
Duration: 5–10 days
Cost: $1,200–$2,000
Used by: CPB Contractors, BGC, Clough, and BHP construction teams.
Holding multiple HRW licences makes you much more versatile on site — and often bumps your rate by 10–15%.
4. Mobile Plant and Equipment Training
If you want to work as an operator, you’ll need nationally recognised RII (Resources and Infrastructure Industry) units, especially if you’re targeting dump truck and mobile plant operator jobs.
Common options include:
RIIMPO338E Conduct rigid haul truck operations
RIIMPO320F Conduct excavator operations
RIIMPO323E Conduct dozer operations
RIIMPO321F Conduct loader operations
Duration: 3–5 days each
Cost: $1,000–$3,000 per ticket
Employers: BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG, Glencore, Anglo American, Roy Hill
Training providers like WesTrac Institute, Komatsu Training Academy, Civil Train, and Site Skills Training offer nationally accredited programs.
5. Trade and Technical Qualifications
These take longer but unlock six-figure salaries and stable contracts.
Electrical
Requirements: A-Grade Electrical Licence + LVR/CPR
Extras: Hazardous Areas, Instrumentation, HV Switching
Mechanical / Diesel Fitter
Requirements: Cert III Mobile Plant Technology
Preferred: OEM training through WesTrac, Komatsu, or Hitachi
Boilermaker / Welder
Requirements: Cert III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Extras: Pressure tickets, EWP, Confined Space
Employers: Monadelphous, Downer, UGL, Roy Hill contractors
Instrumentation and Control
Requirements: Cert III/IV Instrumentation & Control
Trade qualifications can be completed through TAFE WA, TAFE QLD, South Metro TAFE, or BHP’s FutureFit Academy (which offers paid apprenticeships).
6. Oil, Gas, and Offshore Requirements
For offshore or LNG site work, additional safety and security training is mandatory.
BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training)
Covers helicopter escape, sea survival, and offshore safety.
Duration: 2–3 days
Cost: $2,000–$3,000
Renewal: Every 4 years (via FOET refresher)
MSIC (Maritime Security Identification Card)
Grants access to restricted port areas.
Cost: $200–$300
Validity: 2 or 4 years
OGUK / Offshore Medical
Confirms your physical fitness for offshore work.
Validity: 2 years
Mandatory for: All offshore workers
7. Supervisory and Leadership Courses
Once you’ve built site experience, supervisor tickets help you step into leadership roles.
Mining Supervisor (G1, G8, G9 / S123)
Covers risk management, leadership, and safety systems.
Duration: 3–5 days
Cost: $800–$1,200
Employers: Glencore, OZ Minerals, BMA, Roy Hill
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (WHS)
Ideal for those moving into HSE or training roles, including FIFO safety officer and WHS coordinator positions.
Duration: 3–6 months (part-time)
Cost: $1,500–$3,000
Delivered by: TAFE Queensland, South Metro TAFE, and Upskilled.
8. Training Providers FIFO Employers Trust
When choosing a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), pick one recognised by major site operators.
Recommended RTOs and academies:
TAFE Queensland – Standard 11, Confined Space, WHS courses
TAFE WA / South Metro TAFE – Mining, electrical, and fabrication trades
Site Skills Training – Mobile plant, safety, and high-risk licences
WesTrac Institute – Caterpillar operator and maintenance training
Komatsu Training Academy – OEM operator and technician programs
Civil Train – Plant operator and infrastructure training
Major Training Group – Standard 11, HRW, and short safety courses
BHP FutureFit Academy – Paid apprenticeships and trade training (Perth, Mackay)
9. How Much It Costs to Be Site Ready
If you’re starting from zero, expect to invest around $2,000–$3,500 in essential entry-level training.
That typically covers:
White Card
First Aid + CPR
Working at Heights
Confined Space Entry
Gas Test
Forklift or EWP
National Police Check
Pre-employment medical
Trades and offshore qualifications cost more but are often sponsored or reimbursed by employers after you’re hired.
10. How to Keep Your Tickets Valid and Up-to-Date
White Card: Permanent, but refresh every few years if inactive
First Aid / CPR: CPR yearly, First Aid every 3 years
High-Risk Licences: Every 5 years (renew through state regulator)
BOSIET / FOET: Refresh every 4 years
Medical / D&A Tests: Usually renewed every 1–2 years or per employer policy
Keep digital copies of every ticket. Employers often use systems like Pegasus, MyPass, or Sitepass for verification before mobilisation.
Conclusion: Invest in Yourself Before You Fly Out
In FIFO work, the best investment you’ll ever make isn’t a tool kit — it’s your training. Every licence you earn gives you more control over your career, higher earning potential, and safer working conditions.
Start with the basics, keep your certificates current, and keep adding new competencies as you go. Whether you’re driving a haul truck in Newman, fixing pumps in Roxby Downs, or working offshore for Woodside, being trained, ticketed, and ready makes you the worker everyone wants on their crew.
