Skills required when working in Australia

Skills required when working in Australia

For many travelling over-seas to Australia or New Zealand, there are some differentiations in training, course qualifications, and general skills that are required for specific jobs in Australia and New Zealand, which are different from the same type of work from the country you were born in.

The following list of jobs is related to the type of work most over-seas travellers seek when travelling and working around Australia and New Zealand. The following list given is not as detailed as perhaps it might be, but it gives the most important information needed when applying for certain occupations here in Australia.

1. BARTENDING

Perhaps one of the most socially demanding jobs in the hospitality industry, but nevertheless, the money is great, and in most places overseas travellers are not taxed the full 29%, which is great for those looking to save while travelling from one place to another.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Fluency in local language (English)

Good communication skills

Some places, particularly NSW require the following qualification RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol), which can be obtained from attending a one-day course at any recognized training centre in your local area.

Numeric skills

2. WAIT-PERSON

This type of job is also part of the hospitality sector, and can also be a very demanding and stressful job socially. Your wage can be very good, but you will be taxed the full 29% rate as a non-Australian resident working in Australia.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Fluency in local language

Good communication skills

Coordination- necessary when required to carry three plates or more, or a large tray of drinks.

Some places also require that you have the necessary qualification in coffee-making, entitled 'barista' experience. This cert is also a one-day course and can be obtained from any training centre in your locality.

Numeric skills

3. LABOURING

Many people travelling overseas to Australia come already with a trade, such as painter and decorator, electrician, welder, mechanic, farmer etc. But for those who do not have a qualification in a specific trade, will be able to find work as a general hand, or labourer on a building site. Duties include moving bricks, painting, drilling, digging holes etc.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Physical strength

Some previous knowledge of building or carpentry etc will be seen as an advantage but as mentioned afore, a certified qualification is not mandatory.

4. NANNY

This job involves great attention and care of another person's child or children, on a regular basis, for a specific amount of time and wage. Often this position requires that you will be able to attend to light housework duties such as ironing, cleaning, washing etc. It may also require you to live in house with your prospective employers.

SKILS REQUIRED

Necessary qualification either cert, diploma or university degree competed in any field relating to child-care, first aid, teaching etc.

Previous and excellent experience looking after children.

5. OFFICE TEMP/ADMINISTRATION/RECEPTION

Office temps in Australia are a vital necessity to large companies, particularly receptionists; often companies find it difficult for such positions to be filled on a short-term basis. Roles are also widely available in call-centres across Australia.

SKILLS REQUIRED

ICDL or ECDL or any relevant computer certificate or diploma

Typing skills, approx 50-55wds per minute

Some places require that you have attained MYOB cert, which ensure the privacy and security of an individual company while you are working for them.

Excellent organization skills and the ability to multi-task is advantageous

6. TEACHING

This role is also a very important and much required position to fill in Australia at the moment. Whether it is full-time teaching, relief teaching, tutoring, TEFL etc, it is an ever-growing industry.

SKILLS REQUIRED

For teaching in any state, either at kindergarten or high school, a relevant BA degree in any subject and H-Dip in Education, are mandatory requirements.

Teaching English to foreigners (TEFL) or tutoring, it is possible to obtain a position if you only have BA in a particular subject.