The DIRT
a web series on Australian Mining
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Get the low-down on everything that’s happening in the Australian mining sector. No frills, no bullsh*t, just pure gold.
Hear Richard’s hot take on everything related to recruitment for Australian mining. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the factors and moving pieces affecting the industry, Richard has been able to change with the times. Because whether we like it or not, the recruitment landscape in Australia is rapidly changing – the old ways of working are not working anymore – and companies must learn to evolve or go extinct.
Richard is passionate about sharing his opinion and helping organisations figure out which levers they can pull in this current recruitment climate to overcome the numerous challenges facing the industry.
Clean up your hiring process with the DIRT!
Episode 1: The Great Resignation
Welcome to Episode 1 of The DIRT where Richard talks about what the hell is going on with the labour shortage in Australian mining.
Episode 2: Work Life Imbalance
What is up with the demands of the modern workforce? Is it really about maintaining work/life balance, or is it about one life and the right attitude?
Episode 3: Are You Part of the Problem?
How are you dealing with the skilled workers shortage? Are you part of the problem, or are you actively looking for ways to overcome the talent gap and find the solution?
Episode 4: Same Job, Same Pay
Really? Check out what Richard has to say about this interesting concept.
Episode 5: The Right to Disconnect
Do we really need legislation to tell us when we don’t have to reply to work comms? When did common sense become uncommon?
Episode 6: Same Job, Same Pay 2
A continuation of a previous episode in response to a sh*t load of calls about the subject.
Episode 7: Mining in NSW
Not many people are aware of the seriously cool stuff happening in mining in NSW.
Episode 8: No Shows
You should hear some of the excuses we’ve heard for not showing up to work or for interviews. Seriously! Biggest question is what are we going to do about it?
Episode 9: No Shows
Are Australians worse off now than our parents were? Has the rising cost of living really made it so life in Australia so hard?
Episode 10: I Identify As…
Everyone has the right to identify as whatever they want, but how does that work when it comes to work? When have we taken this too far?
Episode 11: Tinder Recruiting
Swipe left or swipe right? Recruitment is very much like Tinder. But to make the relationship work, don’t both parties have to put in an effort?
Episode 12: Trade vs. Uni
What makes more sense? With all this pressure to go to Uni and get a degree, could many be missing a golden opportunity? What do you think?
Episode 13: Sickies
Do you know what was the most “sick” day in recent history? Isn’t it time to tackle this problem head on?
Episode 14: FIFO
Working FIFO in the mines is bloody hard. Make sure you have a good hard look at what exactly it entails to make sure you’re hard enough… and are prepared to handle it.
Episode 15: Nicknames
What are some of the best workplace nicknames you’ve heard? Do you know any broken arrows (doesn’t work and can’t be fired) or potholes (cause they’re always in the road)?
Episode 16: The Constant Gardener
If we really want our garden to thrive, should we constantly be pulling plants out and changing them? Or are we better off choosing the right seedlings, nurturing them and allowing them to grow?
Episode 17: Queensland Mining Expo… sed
With the QME fast approaching in Mackay, Richard explores the question of whether Queensland’s legislation about hiring local workers and avoiding FIFO camps is feasible.
BTS: Outtakes Episode 1
Get the dirt on the DIRT. To find the gold, you gotta sort through the crap. And there was a fair bit…
BTS: Outtakes Episode 2
More gold hidden in The DIRT. Contact us to let us know what challenges you’re facing with your recruitment strategy.
The DIRT: Mining Models Challenge
You think you can beat Richard? Put your money where your mouth is and take the Aston Mining Models Challenge. 4:44 is the time to beat. Get in touch with us to sign up for the challenge.
Episode 18: What is Fiji Time?
Ahhhh, Fiji time! Great for a holiday, but is it the right approach for getting sh*t done?
More importantly, how does Australia compare?
Episode 19: Nicknames (Part 2)
There were so many nicknames that came flooding in after Part 1, can’t help but share them. Don’t disappear when the going gets hard! Let us know what are the best nicknames you have heard.
Episode 20: Wines & Mines
Coming from deep in the Hunter Valley, Richard takes on the question of whether automation in Australian mining is gonna take jobs, or make jobs. And what you can do to make sure you’re not left behind.
Episode 21: Lack of Trades
Is there a shortage of trades in Australia? How have global events affected the talent pool? Interesting questions to ask yourself, and even more interesting is how have you prepared?.
Episode 22: “Mate”, is that Unprofessional?
About 29% of Aussies say ‘yes’. Have a listen to Richard’s feelings on the poll, and let us know if you agree.
Episode 23: Trade Shortage
Continuing on from a previous episode, Richard takes a closer look at how the drop in apprentices during COVID is still affecting the talent pool.
Episode 24: Retention = Success
It’s no secret that engaged, productive team members are good for business and morale. The real question is, ‘What do you do to ensure people stay?’
Golden Nuggets Episode 1
The first edition of a look back at all the little nuggets Richard has dug up so far from working the DIRT.
Episode 25: Melbourne Cup Sickies
Highest number of sickies this year was the days before and after the race. We all know it happens, so isn’t it time we talk about it honestly and bluntly?
Episode 26: How Not to Lose a Job
We’ve all heard the shockers – like the guy who thought showing off his, let’s say, personal pics was a good way to fit in. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t! From showing up on time to leaving your phone in the car, here’s the no-BS guide to nailing that first impression and actually keeping the job.
Our experience working with the Aston team is a good one – we find them professional, competent – they provide us with the flexbility to ramp up our blue collar workforce when we get busy which is a great advantage to us.
Bernie Thornton, Director, Fredon Electrical & Communications WA
The amount of time that we’ve gained from not spending time trying to find people, Aston found the people for us – normally of a very high calibre. They know their job, they do their job very well.
Piero Liscia, General Manager, Sitech (WA) Pty Ltd
In the last 18 months, in total we’ve engaged with Aston for about 130 candidates, it’s been critical to the business to be honest. My experience working with the Aston team has been excellent. Being able to call on somebody that specialises in that field, to have candidates ready to go.
Lyndon Berry, Business Manager, Drilling Industry
Knowing that they hire subject matter experts within the field of the trades that we look for, gave us a lot of confidence. From our side, we do put pressure on them and anything I’ve asked them, they’ve delivered.
Ashley Abrahams, Business Development Manager, Performance Mining