Today we get to talk with Richard Christer, our resident EPC/M and Civils, Structural and Mechanical African Recruitment Consultant with many years of experience in the mining industry. Richard gives us a brief look at his background and his vast knowledge within the Mining Industry.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you became a recruitment consultant in the Mining Industry? I come from a construction background. I started my career in residential build on the North Coast of Kwa – Zulu Natal. I then moved to the UK and got into civils projects which has essentially lead me to where I am today.
What inspired your move into the African Mining Industry? I was working on site as an engineer in civil construction in the UK when I was asked by an agency if I would be interested in giving recruitment in the Mining Industry a go. I thought it would be a good idea to change industries, plus the Mining Industry has always intrigued me. I was also very interested in getting a broader knowledge of the market.
What qualifications and experience did you have to gain in order to establish yourself and become a recruitment consultant within the Mining Industry? I did a Sports Science degree at Stellenbosch University and studied Honours in Psychology through UNISA. My experience working in the construction industry has served me well for the recruitment of the Mining Industry and I find that I continuously draw from my knowledge of the construction/engineering industry to match my ongoing knowledge of the African Mining Industry.
As the leading recruitment firm in the global and African Mining Industry, where do you see CA Mining over the next 5 years? Continuing to lead the way in providing African recruitment solutions for both clients and candidates across the world and the African Mining Industry.
What is the most challenging aspect within the Mining Industry? The most challenging aspect in the Mining Industry is “keeping a finger on the pulse”. Ensuring that we have optimum recruitment and market-related knowledge relevant in the Mining Industry allows the CA Mining team to operate proficiently.
How do you manage and overcome the challenges within the African recruitment market? Communicating with those working and doing business in the African recruitment industry is the best way of keeping up to date. I enjoy the challenge of gathering information. Knowledge is power, and with knowledge one can perform well in the African recruitment market.
Who is your role model and why? He or she doesn’t have to be part of the Mining Industry. If I have to choose a role model I’d go with Sir Richard Branson. He has the capacity to take on and thrive in all that he does- family, business and fun! I think a positive attitude and channeled energy is the key to success.
What motivates you to work hard in general as well as a recruiter from the Mining Industry? To be a success like Sir Richard Branson.
What is your outlook within the mining industry over the next 5 years? I believe that mining in Africa will grow. The African governments are becoming less resistant to international trade and the African minerals are in demand from the major economies.
If you want to get in touch with Richard Christer, you can get in touch with him via email: richard@camining.com or via his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/richard-christer/33/84/272
Visit CA Mining Recruitment to search and apply for the latest jobs in Africa’s Mining Sector: www.mining-recruitment-jobs.com
