Bengalla Apprentice Intake

Bengalla Apprentice Intake FAQs

• When do applications open and close?

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  Applications for the Bengalla Apprentice Intake open on Monday 1 June 2026 and close on Friday 3 July 2026.

• How do I know if the apprenticeship is right for me?

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  It's often hard to know if you will thrive in a trade apprenticeship before you commence. Although it is a rewarding pathway, there is more to an apprenticeship than meets the eye.

  Be sure to read the job vacancy details and role requirements before applying:

  • Electrical Apprenticeship
  • Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship
• Who can apply?

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  Applicants for the Bengalla Mining Company apprenticeships MUST currently reside in the Upper Hunter Region.

  Overall, we are looking for someone who has:

  • A focus on safety
  • Great communication skills
  • A thirst for learning and a willingness to adapt to an ever-changing environment

  We value diversity and encourage people from all walks of life to apply including current students, school leavers, women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and mature age applicants. 

• What do I need to apply?

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  You will need a cover letter and a resume highlighting your interest in the chosen trade and the relevant skills you will bring to your apprenticeship.

  A cover letter is your opportunity to tell us:

  • A little bit about you
  • Why you want the apprenticeship
  • What makes you right for this role

  Tell us about what interests you, what you do in the local community, and why it will make you a great apprentice at Bengalla Mining Company.

  Think of your resume as a catalogue of your skills and experience. We’d like to see your school and subjects listed along with your grades and any pre-vocational certificates you have completed, plus any full-time or part-time work.

  Make sure you include any work experience or volunteer work where you may have had the opportunity to be part of a team. And don’t forget to list any clubs or groups you are actively involved in.

  It’s a good idea to have your referees in mind and start talking to them about providing a reference if you are successful in moving forward with your application. 

  A great referee is someone who knows your skills and strengths, has managed or mentored you, and can tell us about what will make you a great apprentice. They might be a teacher at school, a manager at work, or a coach of a sports team you play for.

• How do I submit my application?

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  Apply here on the MIGAS website by selecting the Bengalla apprenticeship role that best suits you:

  • Electrical Apprenticeship
  • Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship

  You will need to complete an online application form and upload your resume and cover letter in PDF or Word format.

• Can I apply for more than one role?

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  Yes, you can.

  To be considered for each role you must apply for each position separately. Each trade is very different and requires different strengths and interests.

  We suggest you develop a tailored cover letter for each role you are applying for, highlighting your strengths in that position.

  If you apply for multiple roles, our recruitment team will work with you during the interview process to identify which position best suits your skills and interests.

• What does Bengalla Mining Company provide during the apprenticeship?

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  Apprentices receive:

  • Above Award wages
  • Your own fully equipped toolbox in your first year
  • Bonus incentives throughout the four years of the apprenticeship
  • 3-month mining skills workshop at Muswellbrook TAFE (value $16,000)
  • Opportunity for additional income through overtime shifts
  • Workcover tickets including Dogman, Forklift and Elevated Work Platform Licences
  • Opportunity for community engagement/involvement for events and activities sponsored by Bengalla
  • TAFE fees and associated costs covered by Bengalla/MIGAS
  • Offsite training aligned to your apprenticeship program
  • Extensive experience on CAT, Hitachi, Komatsu Heavy Mining Equipment and P&H Dragline
  • Experience offered in mine maintenance, mining and CHPP departments
  • Opportunity to undertake additional TAFE courses within relevant trades
  • Yearly project work for nearby charity/schools or other beneficiaries
  • Various rosters based on department and business needs
• Do I receive a uniform and PPE?

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  You will have all of your uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied, as well as being paid to attend TAFE to complete your off-the-job training.

• Who is MIGAS?

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  MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees is a Group Training Organisation that works with businesses like Bengalla Mining Company to match candidates with trade apprenticeships and traineeships.

  If you successfully obtain a Bengalla Apprenticeship, you will be employed by MIGAS and placed with Bengalla Mining Company as your host organisation.

  MIGAS will look after your weekly pay, provide mentoring and support by a local Field Officer, and be with you every step of the way during your apprenticeship.

• How long is the recruitment process and what’s involved?

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  A place in the Bengalla Apprenticeship Program is highly competitive and the selection process takes a number of weeks. You must participate in each stage to be considered for an apprenticeship or position.

  The full selection process will involve:

  Step 1: Applications Open | 1 June 2026
  Prepare your resume and cover letter and apply online before 3 July 2026.

  Step 2: Screening | June 2026
  The MIGAS Recruitment Team conducts phone screening, and candidates complete online aptitude testing.

  Step 3: Video Submission | July 2026
  Candidates submit a short video highlighting their suitability for the role.

  Step 4: Group Assessment and Panel Interviews | Early August 2026
  Shortlisted candidates are invited to a full-day group assessment centre and participate in face-to-face interviews with MIGAS and Bengalla.

  Step 5: Pre-Employment Medical | August 2026
  Selected candidates are required to complete a medical assessment before final offers are made. Reference checking is carried out by MIGAS.

  Read more about how MIGAS annual intakes work on our blog.

• What happens at an assessment centre?

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  An assessment centre is conducted in a group setting where you and other applicants in the running for the apprenticeship intake will be assessed on your practical ability, teamwork, communication skills, and ability to problem solve and adapt to different situations. You will be involved in a number of individual, group and practical activities that will be relevant to the position for which you are applying.

  MIGAS assessment centres generally start with an introduction and overview of the day followed by an ice breaker to help everyone feel relaxed. Then we move on to the individual and group exercises where you will be assessed by our team throughout the day. 

  Once the group activities have concluded you will then prepare for your one-on-one interview with representatives from Bengalla Mining Company.

  You can prepare by simply being yourself and, on the day, ensure you’re interacting with the group and contributing to the activities.

  Read more on What to Expect at a MIGAS Assessment Centre.

• How will I be notified if I’m shortlisted?

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  Candidates will be advised if they have progressed through each stage of the selection process. We encourage you to keep an eye on your phone and emails during the course of the selection process.

  Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by either phone or email to confirm their progression to the next stage of the process.

• What happens next if I’m successful?

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  If you are successful, you will receive a phone call from MIGAS with a verbal offer of employment. This will be followed up by a copy of your employment contract and all other documents regarding your employment with MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees in the Bengalla Apprenticeship Program.

  Once you have verbally accepted the role, you will be booked into a compulsory pre-employment medical.

  From here you will have direct communication with your appointed MIGAS Field Officer regarding your MIGAS and Bengalla inductions, and your commencement at Bengalla Mining Company.

• What happens if I’m unsuccessful?

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  Candidates who are not shortlisted prior to the assessment centre stage will be notified by email at the conclusion of the selection process.

  Assessment centre participants will receive a phone call from MIGAS with feedback from their Bengalla interview and how they performed on the day.

  We encourage everyone who is unsuccessful to apply again the following year.

• When will the apprenticeships commence?

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  You will commence onsite at Bengalla Mining Company in November 2026.

  In February 2027 you’ll start the 6-month TAFE Mining Skills Program where you will learn a number of varied trade and life skills before returning to site for the remainder of your apprenticeship to become an outstanding tradesperson.

• What can I expect to be paid?

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  Bengalla apprentices receive above award wages. Exact wages will vary depending on your age and your trade.

  You can calculate an estimate of your pay based on the relevant award using the Government's Pay Calculator. It is expected that you will occasionally participate in overtime during your apprenticeship, and this will be paid at a higher rate depending on the type of overtime.

  Each year you progress through your apprenticeship, your pay rate will increase to recognise the additional skills you can now offer the role. There's also a range of entitlements for apprentices set out by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

  Learn about additional financial assistance for Australian Apprentices.

• Do I need a car or driver's licence?

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  It is a requirement for all positions that you have reliable transport to and from work and training.