I hear this a lot about the mines as well, and it makes me wonder, how are there any people at all in the mines or on the rigs?

Realistically, everyone in these industries got in at some point in time. Nepotism does play a small part, but only very small. The rest got in on their own merit, so at some point they must have found a mine or a rig that was hiring 'greenhorns' without prior experience and made it through the selection process.

Since everyone also gets out of them eventually too, they must continue to bring people in from outside. Keep trying, just because most positions require previous experience doesn't mean thy all do.

I'm an Electrical Supervisor in the Mining game and was lucky to snag a mature age apprenticeship after leaving the defence force in 2007. The things i had going for me were the hours i worked and the time i worked away from home. Once I finished the bridging courses i required for my ticket i have been set for this industry. It's hard for sparkies without mine experience to get in unless they are highly recommended by someone on the crew. I am going through the interview process at the moment and have shortlisted only 1 applicant without experience simply for his attitude he showed at the preliminary interview.
Knowing a few people on the Rigs, the same goes out there too. They now have a fully functioning apprenticeship scheme where they have a good pool of candidates. Also, the rigs have a smaller crew with only 4 or 5 sparkies on the books. Where as Mining, well at least my department has 21 on the books.
It really is - right time at the right place.
Even try starting out on the deck as a motor man or something, at least you can get your foot in the door. Once you're in you will notice a lot of the employment opportunities don't even make advertising.
I'd also recommend creating a profile on sites like "Linked In".

Yes, get onto Linked In.

I'm in the Pilbara at the moment and it's very much who you know and good timing !!!

It's common for people getting friends / friends of friends jobs and some jobs are even advertised and scoped with candidates already chosen...