Queensland’s manufacturing and industrial employers are facing a growing challenge: retaining Fitters in the face of relentless competition from the mining sector.
As one major employer recently put it:
“We love migrant workers, they stay with us, they want to get PR, they become part of the community, and they’re loyal.”
In regions like Gladstone and Townsville, this sentiment is echoed across many manufacturing floors. Here’s why it’s time to rethink recruitment and lean into the long-term opportunity of hiring skilled migrants , specially Fitters, from countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the Philippines.
Poaching pressure from the mines
Mining companies in Western Australia and Queensland offer hard-to-beat rosters: 7 days on, 7 days off. For local tradespeople, the pull is strong, higher pay, fewer days worked, and the prestige of working in the mines.
But these benefits come at a cost, Queensland’s manufacturing sector is losing its workforce. Fitters trained and invested in by local businesses are regularly lured away by higher-paying FIFO (fly-in fly-out) roles. As Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) told us, “we’re always going to struggle to compete with those rosters and pay packets.”
Why migrant Fitters offer a smarter solution
While mining might be able to outbid you on salary, you can outmatch them on retention by offering skilled migrants what the mines can’t: community, stability, and a pathway to residency.
Here’s why migrant workers are the future of your fitter workforce:
- They stay. Most are visa-bound for several years and are focused on long-term employment as part of their permanent residency goals.
- They settle. Over time, they put down roots in the region buying homes, raising families, and becoming part of your team culture.
- They’re loyal. With fewer distractions from short-term money grabs, you get workers committed to your business, not the next big paycheck.
As QAL shared:
“By the time they get their residency, they love working for us and are a part of the community they stay with us forever.”
Who’s hiring Fitters now and why you should too
While mining giants like Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue continue to soak up available local talent,industrial and manufacturing companies are left scrambling to backfill the gap. This is your window to act before the shortage worsens.
Key reasons to act now:
- Demand for fitters is at record levels, particularly in Central and Northern Queensland (Gladstone, Townsville, Mackay, Bowen Basin).
- The local workforce can’t meet demand. Skilled migrants are your most reliable source of qualified, work-ready candidates.
- You control the narrative. By building a stable pipeline of migrant workers, you create a more resilient workforce less vulnerable to mining sector poaching.
Where migrants want to go and where you should look
Your best options lie in targeted international sourcing, matched with locations migrants want to settle in.
Our strongest source countries for fitters are:
- Zimbabwe and South Africa – English-speaking, highly skilled, and culturally aligned with regional communities.
- The Philippines – Excellent for roles in more remote areas like Kalgoorlie or Pilbara (especially single migrants or FIFO workers), though family relocation can be more complex.
Why Queensland is the Smartest Focus
Queensland ticks all the boxes for both employers and migrants:
- Large manufacturing footprint, especially in Gladstone, Townsville, and Brisbane’s industrial zones.
- Active infrastructure investment creating long-term demand for skilled trades.
- A strong Kiwi and migrant community network that supports newcomers.
For Kiwi employers expanding into Queensland or Kiwis looking to relocate, the cultural familiarity and regional support make it even more attractive.
Ready to Build a Loyal Fitter Workforce?
At Working In, we’ve been helping Australian employers find and keep skilled migrant workers for over 25 years. We know where to find the right people and how to manage their recruitment, immigration, and settlement so they stick around.
Whether you’re based in Gladstone, Townsville, Brisbane, or beyond, we’re ready to connect you with qualified fitters from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the Philippines who are ready to commit long term.
Get in touch – the process may be a lot quicker and easier than you think!
