The resources sector’s need to hold on to people and skills in the middle of a boom has created opportunities for several human resource-linked players.
The resources sector’s need to hold on to people and skills in the middle of a boom has created opportunities for several human resource-linked players.
One such service provider is Western Australian web-based company Flyin Flyout, a support service and directory that provides 24/7 access to help flyin-flyout workers manage and maintain their lifestyle.
The business was the brainchild of Melissa Vann, who has worked in city- based travel and logistics roles in mining and construction for 20 years.
She said that, with the resources-based workforce growing at a rapid rate in WA, she became aware there was no central point for people to access the information they needed to live a flyin-flyout lifestyle.
“The feedback has been great so far. It is being used by professionals working in remote areas, as well as trades and labour workers,” she said.
Flyin Flyout has three basic components. Firstly it provides an employment service for positions vacant in the resources sector.
It also provides advice and assistance for those working in remote locations for the first time, helping them adapt to the lifestyle.
The third and probably most important aspect is it provides a range of services to help people manage their affairs while on-site, so they can make the most of their downtime away from work. For example, Flyin Flyout offers a deliveries service, where workers can arrange online to have goods or services delivered to home, so they don’t have to spend time away from work attending to such tasks.
This also extends to trade quotes. A worker on-site can input the details of various trade work that they need doing and Flyin Flyout will arrange three quotes.
There is also a meet and greet service for people new to working away from home, a bill paying service, and a forum where workers can share information on work and lifestyle issues affecting them.
Flyin Flyout also extends to the families of remote workers, who also benefit from the support network Flyin Flyout helps generate. Ms Vann says she came up with the idea about 12 months ago when she noticed more and more workers taking laptop computers on-site, and employers providing more on-site internet access.
“Flyin Flyout is a work in progress for me. The website has been live for about six months and we are continuing to develop it and add more services,” she said.
“The domain name is registered in Australia as well as the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand and we are continuing to look at new partners, so there is a lot of work to be done.”
Ms Vann’s vision for the business is to see it as a one-stop shop for the flyin-flyout lifestyle.
