If you’re physically fit, willing to get your hands dirty, and keen to earn good money without wasting years at uni or doing a 4yr trade — the drilling industry might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re a tradie between jobs, just finished school, or sick of stacking shelves for $25 an hour, there’s real opportunity here.
Mining and civil companies across Australia are **desperate for crew** — and they’re not just hiring seasoned pros.
They’re looking for reliable people who show up, follow safety rules, and get the job done.
As a Driller’s Offsider, you’ll be doing practical, physical work: loading core samples, moving equipment, helping set up drill rigs. It’s hard yakka — but it pays off.
And thanks to a nationwide skills shortage in Australia, companies are offering higher starting pay, flexible rosters, and fast-track promotions to those who stick it out.
If you want to break into mining, construction, or exploration — drilling is one of the quickest ways in.
The industry needs more drillers and employers are more than willing to train you up if you’ve got the right tickets and attitude.
Trainer insight: “Most of our students don’t have any drilling experience. But once they get their safety tickets and complete training, they’re getting interviews within days — sometimes offers within a week.”
Drillers are responsible for operating heavy machinery that bores into earth, rock, or other materials for mining, exploration, and civil infrastructure projects.
These roles are critical across sectors like mining, tunnelling, and geotechnical construction.
Most people start their journey as a Driller’s Offsider.
This is a practical, physical role that involves supporting the driller and learning the job from the ground up.
Offsiders are the entry point to drilling and don’t require prior experience — just the right training and a solid work ethic.
| Position | Typical Duties | Work Conditions | Career Progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driller | Operate rig equipment, manage drilling depth and pressure, supervise offsiders, complete safety checks | Long hours, often FIFO, remote sites, higher responsibility | Team leader, senior driller, site supervisor |
| Driller’s Offsider | Load/unload tools, support setup and pack down, clean equipment, manage drill rods, assist with safety | Physical labour, remote locations, shift work, all-weather conditions | Move into Driller role with experience and further training |
If you're fit, reliable, and safety-conscious, offsider roles are one of the quickest ways to step into a high-paying industry.
Many employers are willing to hire new workers who’ve completed key safety and site-readiness courses.
Drilling crews often work in remote areas, on tight rosters, in all kinds of weather.
It’s not your average 9-to-5 — but for many, that’s part of the appeal.
Here’s what a standard day might look like when you’re working as a Driller’s Offsider or a Driller.
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30am – 6:00am | Wake up, breakfast, safety prep | Grab a quick meal, get dressed in PPE, complete any safety paperwork or morning toolbox meetings. Everyone’s expected to be alert and ready — no excuses. |
| 6:00am – 12:00pm | Drilling begins | Crews start operations early. Offsiders assist with rod changes, sample collection, equipment checks, and rig support. Drillers control the rig, monitor progress, and complete logs. |
| 12:00pm – 12:30pm | Lunch break | A short break for food and rest. Usually on-site unless the conditions allow for a crib room or break tent. |
| 12:30pm – 6:00pm | Afternoon shift | Work continues. Teams may drill multiple holes or keep deepening the same one depending on the geology. Dust, noise, heat, and repetition are all part of the deal. |
| 6:00pm – 7:00pm | Clean-up & reporting | Offsiders help clean and maintain the rig. Drillers wrap up logs, check equipment status, and prepare for the next shift or day. |
| 7:00pm onwards | Dinner & downtime | Back to camp for a meal, shower, and (hopefully) some rest. Some remote sites have WiFi, gyms, or TV rooms. Others are more bare-bones. |
It’s not an easy job — but if you’re prepared to push yourself, the days become a rhythm.
Most people either love it or leave it.
If you’re someone who thrives on routine, physical work, and team environments, you’ll find your groove here quickly.
“The days are long and the work is physical, but that’s what makes it rewarding. The crew becomes your family, and when things are running smoothly, it feels like you’re part of a real machine. If you’re looking for meaning in hard work — this is it.”
Drillers and offsiders are in demand across multiple high-paying industries in Australia — each offering different environments, challenges, and long-term opportunities.
Here's a breakdown of where you could work after completing your training:
| Industry | Where You Work | Drilling Purpose | Work Conditions | Career Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Construction | Urban & regional areas (roads, bridges, infrastructure) |
Geotechnical investigations Foundation & piling work |
Day work, metro projects Less remote, more stable hours |
Progress into site supervisor or technician roles |
| Mining | Remote WA, QLD, NT & SA (surface & underground sites) |
Exploration drilling Mineral/core sampling |
Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) Long shifts, big rosters |
Move into Driller, Supervisor or Exploration roles |
| Tunnelling | Major city projects (rail, road, utilities tunnels) |
Ground support Pre-construction analysis |
Underground works Safety-focused environments |
Step into specialised tunnel crew or technician roles |
| Oil & Gas | Onshore & offshore rigs (QLD, WA, NT) |
Gas/water extraction Well monitoring & testing |
Remote, high-pressure environments FIFO or offshore shifts |
Lead to high-paying Driller or Rig Manager roles |
Whether you prefer local civil work or are ready to take on the big bucks in mining and oil rigs, drilling opens doors across Australia’s biggest infrastructure and resources projects.
The experience is hands-on, the hours are long — but the opportunities are massive and the pay is definitely rewarding.
Drilling isn’t for everyone — but if you’ve got the right mindset and attitude, it can be a life-changing opportunity.
Here’s the type of person who thrives in drilling and offsider roles:
If you’re ready to put in the work, the drilling industry can offer you more than just a job — it can be a pathway to a whole new lifestyle.
“The best drilling offsiders we’ve trained all have the same traits — they’re reliable, eager to learn, and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. This industry rewards consistency and a solid attitude more than previous experience.”
Breaking into drilling doesn’t take years—it takes the right certificates and a solid plan.
Below is a step-by-step guide for Aussies ready to kickstart their career on site.
While not immediately required, these will give you a competitive edge and open up more job opportunities:
At National Courses, we offer all the essential certifications to get you site-ready:
Complete these, apply to entry-level Driller’s Offsider roles through labour hire or drilling companies, and you’re on your way — often within days or weeks.
Once on the job, you'll receive on-the-job training, learn protocols, and work alongside experienced drillers.
Many trainees advance to Driller roles within 12–18 months.
“We’ve trained people who came from retail or hospitality with zero drilling background. Once they got the White Card, First Aid, and basic tickets, they were landing interviews straight away. Companies will ask for your HR licence early on, so get it ready.”
If you're serious about landing a job as a Driller or Driller’s Offsider, you need the right certifications — and you need them fast.
At National Courses, we make it simple.
Our training is government-approved, fully recognised across Australia, and designed to get you certified without the stress, delays, or inflated costs.
We specialise in delivering affordable, no-fuss courses that get you onto work sites quickly — whether you're going into mining, civil construction, tunnelling, or oil and gas.
With flexible options and locations across the country, we help you get qualified and on-the-job, sooner.
Our courses are designed to be streamlined and hassle-free, with transparent pricing, low course fees, and expert trainers who understand the job.
Whether you're looking to break into drilling, start a civil career, or just get the right tickets to boost your chances — we've got you covered.
National Courses Pty Ltd (RTO 41072) is a trusted training provider offering short, nationally recognised courses across Australia.
We specialise in practical, job-ready training for industries like construction, civil, safety, and first aid — helping individuals and businesses stay qualified and competitive.
National Courses PTY LTD works with government programs, employers, and community organisations to deliver training that leads to real employment outcomes.
