Does it sound too good to be true? They call Australia the 'Lucky Country' and indeed it is. The truth is: you can work in Australia and there is only one condition. You must of course obtain a visa first, but this is not as difficult as it may sound.
Australia is critically short of nurses, qualified trades people, and skilled workers. You can actually live and work in Australia for 4 years on a 457 Long Stay Visa. The only criteria is that you firstly arrange for a sponsor to employ you in your chosen career as soon as you arrive in Australia. You are also free to change employers within your career, if you are not happy for any reason. If you fit into any of those categories, the chances are you are on your way to paradise downunder!
If you do not fit into these 3 high demand categories, do not despair. There is always a demand for workers in the Tourism and Hospitality Industries in Australia, and it is likely that if you are aged between 18 and 30 years, you will be able to apply for a working holiday visa which allows you to work for 6 months and stay for up to 12 months. You may also be able to apply for a second working holiday visa if you are able to work for a further 6 months with a previous employer.
The Hospitality and Tourism industries are always looking for employees, and the main areas of employment are:
· Cafes – Baristas and Wait-staff
· Restaurants – Chefs / Cooks / Kitchen hands / Wait-staff
· Resorts – Managers / Maintenance staff / Receptionists / Cleaning staff / Concierge / Bar staff / Entertainers
· Transport – Tour guides / Drivers
· Clubs-Entertainers / Bar staff / Baristas
· Catering Companies- Cooks / kitchen hands / drinks Waiters / Bar staff / Buffet staff
Most of Australia's population live and work on the East Coast. Cities such as Cairns – in Far North Queensland; Brisbane – the capital of Queensland; Sydney – the capital of New South Wales; and Melbourne – the capital of the state of Victoria, are all major centers of employment and tourism. On the West Coast of Australia, you will find Perth – a large metropolitan city on the banks of the Swan River which also offers provisional work opportunities, as does Adelaide – the capital of South Australia, and of course Darwin – way up North in the 'Top End' of the Northern Territory.
The Outback of Australia is not a region or state, as many people think. It is in fact a general term used to describe the vast interior of the continent. Population is sparse in these areas, although there are significant towns and cities which service the remote communities and heavy industry such as mining. Tourism also plays a major role in the economy of the Outback and this provides many opportunities for work in the hospitality and guided tour industries.
A little known fact in regards to securing work in the Outback of Australia, is that there are also often work opportunities on huge outback stations (large farms or ranches). Some of these jobs include:
· General farm-hand
· Cook
· Fencing work
· Cattle handling (jackaroo- the male version)
· Cattle handling (jillaroo-the female version)
· Nanny / governess
· Sheep shearer
· Diesel mechanic
· Machinery operators (graders / dozers / front end loaders / harvesters / tractors, etc)
· Truck drivers
Australia is unique and a wonderful place to enjoy a working holiday or to take up full time employment. With wide open spaces, a laid-back lifestyle, and a fantastic climate, you are sure to experience many wonderful adventures during your stay.
