Step 3. Find work fast
Australia is so much bigger than most people expect, and if you plan to see as much as possible then you’re going to need one essential thing – cold, hard cash. So you had better get to work.
There are lots of options available whether you are looking for similar work to what you have done before or if you want to branch out and try something totally different.
Office work If you have experience in office work, such as an office manager, PA, or in accounts, sales, marketing and finance, temping positions could be the thing for you. Temp roles are usually well paid and can give you flexibility if you plan to stay for just a short time.
Hospitality Australia’s amazing climate means there are plenty of outdoor alfresco cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs. With good tips to be made, it’s a great way to make new friends and have a social life while you’re at work.
Fruit picking / harvest work Harvest work and jobs in rural areas are a great way to earn money fast and spend it slowly which is often hard to do in the city. In addition, by working 3 months or more in a ‘specified role’ such as fruit picking, you may be eligible to extend your visit by 12 more months.
WWOOF ‘Willing Workers On Organic Farms’ is a great way to work and travel Australia. Receive free accommodation and meals in return for around 4 hours work every day on the farm. There are around 1600 farms to in Australia to choose from, plus many more in NZ. WWOOF Memberships can be purchased online at www.taw.com.au.
How to find work
1. Travellers At Work
Travellers At Work (TAW) is a job search club just for travellers which takes the hassle out of finding work in Australia. Become a member and TAW will email you new jobs as soon they become available, which you can easily apply for using a handy online resume. Benefits include:
- Access TAW’s online database of jobs all over Australia
- Receive email updates of new job vacancies as soon as they become available
- Create and online resume for employers to view
- Discounted training courses
- Free tax refund consultation
- Entertainment discounts
Visit www.taw.com.au to register as a member and begin looking for work before you leave home.
2. Hit the streets
This is particularly useful if you are looking for retail or bar work. With your resume in hand, walk the streets and introduce yourself to the bars or retail outlets and ask if they have work. Many are always on the look out for casual or part-time employees and you may be in luck.
3. Get the training you need for the job you want
Some states in Australia (New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland), require employees to complete a one-day course to be certified in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA). Also if you are going to work in NSW in a venue that has pokie-machines or gambling, then you will also need to complete the Responsible Gambling Services (RGS) certificate. If you want to work on a building site or as a labourer you will need an OH&S Green / White Card. Barista training may also be required to work in some hospitality outlets.
These courses plus many others can be booked at Backpacker Training Centre www.backpackertrainingcentre.com. Most courses are held daily.
