Work and Travel Australia - types of jobs:


When holding a Working Holiday visa, you can legally undertake most jobs in Australia.
There are plenty of jobs all year round for backpackers in Australia in short term (up to 3 months) and/or unskilled jobs. Professional work is extremely limited, due to visa restrictions and is only available to people with relevant work experience and a very high level of English.

Listed below are the most popular jobs amongst backpackers. AIFS's Job Desk always has many positions on offer for its participants in all of these fields, and many others.

Hospitality

Work in pubs, cafes, restaurants, 5 star hotels, resorts, or do casual work through agencies at functions and sporting events. Hospitality work is a great way to meet people, both Aussies and travellers, and practice your customer service skills.Work is easy to obtain if you have experience. For many jobs you'll need 'black and whites' (black trousers or skirt and a white shirt). Be prepared to buy a uniform if you don't have it. In most states you'll also need a Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate, for any job where you're serving alcohol (one-day RSA courses (2) are run at AIFS for $75 .00AUD). From September to March are the best times to find hospitality work, however there is work available all year round in most areas.

Retail

Work is available in department stores, boutiques and specialty stores. Most positions are as sales assistants however there are also stocktaking work. For retail you need excellent English and most employers prefer some experience.Jobs are easier to obtain in the months leading up to Christmas - particularly in department stores. At other times of year it's more difficult as employers prefer permanent staff. You'll need fluent English and a friendly manner. Sales and cash register experience will also help.

Temporary Office Work

All Australian cities have a demand for casual office staff. Most positions are with recruitment agencies that will test your typing and computer skills and send you for short-term assignments. It's an interesting way to meet different people and see how Australian businesses operate. For this work you need neat, office clothes and fluent written and spoken English. Those with experience will find it easier to find this work. Most positions are in Sydney and Melbourne. Work is generally not available from early December to early February.

Fruit Picking

Harvesting fruit and vegetables is a popular with travellers. There is harvest work somewhere in Australia most of the year however it is hard, physical work and often in hot weather. Farmers sometimes pay by the hour, but most pay by the amount you pick - so you'll earn more as you gain experience. You will need to protect yourself from the sun with a broad rimmed hat, long sleeved shirt and sunscreen.

Au Pair / Nanny

Live-in with a family and work several hours a day caring for children and assisting with house work. Depending on the number of hours, you can earn $150 - $200 per week + accommodation and meals. The experience of living with a family will give you insight into Australian culture and there are positions available in both cities and rural areas.

Call Centres

If you have sales experience and love to talk - this could be the job for you. Most positions involve cold calling over the phone to sell a product. You will need to have a native level of English and be confident about your sales skills. Positions are usually for 2-3 months and pay is approximately $16 per hour + bonuses for sales.

Farm Work

A great way to experience the Australian 'outback'. You will be helping around the farm, fencing, driving tractors or looking after stock. Wages vary according to the job and experience. Most farms include meals and accommodation.As it can be difficult to find farm work with no farming experience, many AIFS participants do a farm course (3) beforehand that covers basic skills like horse riding, sheering sheep, rounding up cattle and mending fences. The course organisers then refer you to farm jobs around Australia. The courses and jobs are available year round, except for a few weeks over our Christmas/Summer break, if you're prepared to travel the distance.