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I have recently received my 12 month working holiday visa for perth WA. should hopefully be heading out there late November this year. I am a fully qualified Plasterer and am just wondering is there plenty of work for a hard working, reliable tradesman who can offer a high standard of work. Also is the money good there and is the cost of property/living expensive?
Thanks.
If you do get a job, wages are good, but rents are high - housing costs typcially are 30% of wages in this country, though if you share a house or apartment, then that's obviously a lot cheaper.
Also, bear in mind that the big mining companies (ie, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto) have just laid off a heap of people from their mining operations, and new projects are on hold.
Edited by: KoalasRule
harvest is already in full swing in the wheat belt and Midwest but as the others have said if u are willing to do anything you will find work.
Pubs are a great place to network to help find work. Word of mouth is pretty powerful in small towns.
Mining industry I know nothing about, but it's worth looking in the papers when u get here if you want plastering work in and around perth- thats where we used to advertise when we needed a tradie for our roofing team. Not a great time to be looking but work a go. Keep in mind tho most big building companies close over Xmas /new year
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Working Holiday visa
Hi guys,I have recently received my 12 month working holiday visa for perth WA. should hopefully be heading out there late November this year. I am a fully qualified Plasterer and am just wondering is there plenty of work for a hard working, reliable tradesman who can offer a high standard of work. Also is the money good there and is the cost of property/living expensive?
Thanks.
2
Building trade is in a bit of a slump at the moment, so you might struggle. Also, a WHV only allows you to work for 6 months for the one employer, so many companies won't hire you.If you do get a job, wages are good, but rents are high - housing costs typcially are 30% of wages in this country, though if you share a house or apartment, then that's obviously a lot cheaper.
3
You will survive, but won't go home a milliionare. If your aim is to make some big dollars, check out the mining companies. I'm not sure if you're interested in the mining industry (or if they are interested in you) but there are mining companies in very remote areas of Western Australia that pay top dollars, but that will mean flying back and forth out of Perth if you then want to experience the more civilised aspects of Australia.4
The mining and construction companies are only looking for people with experience. If you don't have any experience, then the only way to get a foot in the door is to know someone. There is no call for a plasterer in either industry. If you have operator tickets, working at heights, confined space, rigger or scaffolder tickets you will make yourself far more attractive to potential employers, especially if you want to get into mining or construction.Also, bear in mind that the big mining companies (ie, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto) have just laid off a heap of people from their mining operations, and new projects are on hold.
Edited by: KoalasRule
5
It still might be worth a try to rock up in one of the mining towns and look for ANY work, since it is all better paid there than in Perth or other major towns in WA. My kids are in Kalgoorlie and Leonora and they have had friends visit from the UK on WHVs, who have all managed to get some work - in the caravan park, pub, shop etc and reasonably cheap rent. These towns are used to transient people so don't mind those who can only work 6 months. It won't be plastering though!6
The cost of living is bloody ridiculous at the moment. Your best bet would e a seasonal job with accommodation provided or as Bellart says stay in caravan parks pubs etc.harvest is already in full swing in the wheat belt and Midwest but as the others have said if u are willing to do anything you will find work.
Pubs are a great place to network to help find work. Word of mouth is pretty powerful in small towns.
Mining industry I know nothing about, but it's worth looking in the papers when u get here if you want plastering work in and around perth- thats where we used to advertise when we needed a tradie for our roofing team. Not a great time to be looking but work a go. Keep in mind tho most big building companies close over Xmas /new year
12
Had a great day! My BIL is due to get married in Sydney at the end of next year/early 2014 and my youngest daughter might be then, so we'll be back.... always good to have something to look forward to! Are you still teaching?14
Might just do that! I want to drive from Leonora to Geraldton next time we're there...
