With job losses looming globally, moving to Australia can provide a new beginning to anyone with the skills and energy to make it happen, and can provide job security not found in many other countries.
Despite the lower wages, Australia's unemployment is low. It has weathered the storm far better than other world economic leaders, making Australia a top choice for expats.
The Australian government places a high premium on skills but stringent measures on immigration to keep Australian immigration levels under control; selecting carefully the professionals with skills that keep the economy in good health, population levels low, and the quality of life high for its citizens.
Australia needs health care professionals, especially nurses. Other jobs available for expatriates are in the fields of information technology, pharmaceuticals, accounting, education, domestic travel and transportation, as well as marketing. Tourism and export are the two main components of the nation's income.
The Australian Government (Department of Immigration and Citizenship (http://www.immi.gov.au/)) website has the latest information about visas and migration applications.
Non-Australian Graduates
UK/EU graduates working for an international company can work at an Australian ‘branch' for a period of time. The leading industries for graduate recruitment continue to be in accountancy and management, with the highest starting salaries in investment banking and the mining industries.
Mining and agriculture account for the majority of Australia's exports with its major exports being minerals, oil, coal, gold, wool, cereals and meat.
In recent years, Australia has seen sustained growth in the service sector, particularly tourism, which accounts for 5.7% of total employment.
Major companies in Australia include Australia and New Zealand Banking, BHP Billiton, Coles Myers, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank, Rio Tinto, Telstra, Westfield Group, Westpac Banking and Woolworths.
Working Conditions
Australia's working conditions have been recognized as some of the best in the world. An average working week comprises 37 hours, Mondays to Fridays and overtime rates apply. Note that the nature of the occupation and individual employers determine the actual hours of operation.
All permanent employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks paid annual leave per year and ten days paid personal leave (including sick leave and career leave).
Local qualifications are generally preferred over international ones. People from the United Kingdom may encounter fewer problems compared with other countries, simply because many Australians have lived or worked in the UK for a while and are familiar with the British system.
If you are planning to migrate, prepare to take a less skilled and a lower paying job than you are qualified for; it's important to build up experience while you look for something better.
If you have a background in manufacturing, the chances of finding a suitable job are highest in Melbourne, and to a lesser extent in Adelaide. If you have a finance background, you may want to consider Sydney, while those with skills in resources can set their eyes on Perth.
prepare yourself for setbacks when you decide to relocate and find a job in Australia. Rejection is part of the game; the right attitude can be just as important as your academic qualification in obtaining that elusive job.
More Expat Resources
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