Where to go for work ?????

[sanderm2]

Hello :)
Just wondering what peoples views are on employment opportunities in various places around Australia ?

Currently I'm in Coff's Harbour and have been looking for work for 8 months and on being rejected from Woolworth's for a shelf stacking job I think its time to look elsewhere .

In the UK I'm a Plumber but as my qualifications don't transfer I'm finding it hard to find work in that field so I think I need to find somewhere I can find manual work and either
1 ) Work on a contract basis and return home every few weeks to spend time with my family ( and Land Rover :D ).
2 ) Find somewhere family friendly where I can work for six months , save money and then move my family there when funds allow .

Ideally we want to stay put so the young fella can stay at his school but the lack of work means drastic action is now needed .

So from experience where are the best places to start looking and are there any places to avoid ? I've only been here 2 years so my experience is pretty limited ......

Thanks
Matt

[BigJon]

Alice Springs will have more work available than you will know what to do with. Family friendly too, at least it was when I lived there about 3.5 years ago.

[sanderm2]

Alice Springs will have more work available than you will know what to do with. Family friendly too, at least it was when I lived there about 3.5 years ago.

Thanks for that mate :) There seems to be plenty of work but the rents are very expensive , is it a mining place ? Apart from that it looks pretty nice.

[bob10]

There is a thread here titled "Work in the mines- Qld jobs expo" currently on page two, Could be worth a look, Bob

[p38arover]

Matt, are there any courses available to allow you to requalify in Oz? Surely the skill set is similar. I wonder if CentreLink have any funding for courses?

I'm sure I saw something during the last week which was aimed at getting people who have worked in the building industry getting their certificates here.

I'll see if I can find it. I think it was in my local paper which, I'm afraid, went into the bin at Hill End on the weekend.

[sanderm2]

There is a thread here titled "Work in the mines- Qld jobs expo" currently on page two, Could be worth a look, Bob

Thanks for the info, the mines are something I am looking at . I am going to get my HR licence in the next few weeks to try and boost my chances there.

Matt, are there any courses available to allow you to requalify in Oz? Surely the skill set is similar. I wonder if CentreLink have any funding for courses?

I'm sure I saw something during the last week which was aimed at getting people who have worked in the building industry getting their certificates here.

I'll see if I can find it. I think it was in my local paper which, I'm afraid, went into the bin at Hill End on the weekend.

Thanks Ron , as it stands I have been told it will take 2 years to complete and I have to pay for all the modules . At the moment I am not entitled to Centrelink so on top of normal fees I have to pay an additional $10 p/h for the total recommended course hours :mad: works out very expensive .
I have no idea why my qualifications are not recognised , Australian trades can work in the UK no problems. Anyway if I have to study again I think I'd be more inclined to do boilermaking , there seems to be better prospects and wages out there for boilermakers. When I did get a bit of Plumbing work in Coffs Harbour it was $24 p/h with an ABN using my own fuel and tools, not really what I expected .

[p38arover]

Thanks Ron , as it stands I have been told it will take 2 years to complete and I have to pay for all the modules . At the moment I am not entitled to Centrelink so on top of normal fees I have to pay an additional $10 p/h for the total recommended course hours :mad: works out very expensive .

Bloody heck! What a disincentive! :mad:

$24/hour for a tradesman who has to supply his own fuel? Laughable. One would get paid more as a trainee signaller on the railway - seriously.

[Bigbjorn]

Plumbers and electricians require licences to work. Other trades don't. Because of this restriction they usually end up rich.

[tonic]

Hi Matt

I am in the drilling and blasting game. The TAFE trainer for Shot Firers Tickets was working with us last week and said Xstrata are about to close their copper plant at Mt Isa due to Carbon Tax, taking 1500 direct jobs off shore.

They are now going to ship the ore off shore for processing. This may shake things up a bit in Mt Isa for a short while as the people look elsewhere.

I have tried the fly in fly out jobs, good money but hard yards with family.

Have a look at some of the smaller towns too. I was in Biloela a couple of weeks back doing test drilling. They have a big mine nearbye and it is a quite litle town only a couple of hours from the ocean and great fishing for days off.

Cant tell you much about the mine or the work there other as I say, close to town and not far from the ocean.

Good Luck

Tony

[slug_burner]

If you want to work for someone else then mines might be the go. If you want to work for yourself get your plumbing papers sorted.

You probably should see if there is a means by which you can take your practical exam. Things might have changed but there was a time when you could get your trade recognised by taking an exam where you were given a task that involved reading drawings and doing something iaw the code within a specified time.

We will continue to have a need for people to build, plumb and wire houses and commercial buildings. The refugees, the retired and the new subdivision dwellers all need somewhere to live and all that goes with the ever expanding major cities. Down here in Melbourne it is difficult to get a tradesman to do repairs so there must be a market for trades.

[sanderm2]

Bloody heck! What a disincentive! :mad:

$24/hour for a tradesman who has to supply his own fuel? Laughable. One would get paid more as a trainee signaller on the railway - seriously.
I know , that's why I think I'll re -train to do something I'll make a bit of money from . It seems any skill they use in the mines is a good start but the railway has been mentioned to me before so I'll take a look


Hi Matt

I am in the drilling and blasting game. The TAFE trainer for Shot Firers Tickets was working with us last week and said Xstrata are about to close their copper plant at Mt Isa due to Carbon Tax, taking 1500 direct jobs off shore.

They are now going to ship the ore off shore for processing. This may shake things up a bit in Mt Isa for a short while as the people look elsewhere.

I have tried the fly in fly out jobs, good money but hard yards with family.

Have a look at some of the smaller towns too. I was in Biloela a couple of weeks back doing test drilling. They have a big mine nearbye and it is a quite litle town only a couple of hours from the ocean and great fishing for days off.

Cant tell you much about the mine or the work there other as I say, close to town and not far from the ocean.

Good Luck

Tony

Cheers Tony
It's a bit of a pain if things are shutting down due to the carbon tax ,it will make it harder to get into entry level jobs when there are more people looking for work .
Can you recommend any drilling companies to approach about offsider jobs? I've been told it's a good job to get a start in but most jobs I've seen advertised want experience . Are there any other job's you have seen open to inexperienced workers ?

Thanks

[pop058]

Plumbers and electricians require licences to work. Other trades don't. Because of this restriction they usually end up rich.

That generalisation is not totally correct Brian. All tradies (in Qld anyway) are required to be licensed with the QBSA.

[sanderm2]

That generalisation is not totally correct Brian. All tradies (in Qld anyway) are required to be licensed with the QBSA.

I think its the same in NSW to , all trades need to be licensed as far as I know

[isuzurover]

I believe WA currently has the lowest unemployment rate.

If there are any unis or tafes near you you could try and get a job there as a tradie or TA. They may not require you to be licenced - especially if it is a maintenance position.

[tonic]

Hi Matt


There are all types of drilling mate. The drilling with offsiders is generally exploritory work away from home on a roaster system, eg 2 weeks on 1 week off.

They might work in one area for a while doing multiple holes when they go into production drilling, like some of the CSG guys at present.

This is not the type of drilling I am involved with so unfortunatley cannot help. But they will be on the web and not doubt easy to find.

I do drill and blast working in around 8 quarries. Multiple small holes to 14 metres each day, in an air con tracked rig, look up IR ECM660. I live on the Gold Coast and do most of my work here. Sometimes Warwick, Texas. Very hard to get into, generally have to have been away where they have time to train people, we only take experience and are slowing down at present as building industry slows. Most of our product goes into cement and roads etc.

There is plenty of work in the mines, do more research, look for expo's. There was a great one in Towoomba earlier this year with heaps of job information.

Tony

[digger]

Roxby Downs isnt too bad a spot and about to explode!
(olympic dam mine is now virtually completely approved by Govt... BHP have said they'll put 6 billion in asap into setting up and comencing open cut (will be worlds largest open cut mine..)

This will in turn mean miners/tradies /(Apprentices ??)/drivers, etc etc will all be required as everything that is there will expand on site and in town, also a rumour some major works in pipeline for woomera township and rocket range... so lot of work in area...
(and they get truckloads of FARMERS UNION ICED COFFEE sent up all the time!:D)

(andamooka also will be expanding and require building and extentions etc)

look at ROXBY on the web, its a neat little place, big money being spent in town and the school etc.. big pool, hall and speedway, golf course etc etc


worth a thought?


2ndly TONIC, how many keyboards did you use to put that many posts thru?
AND
what quality are you typing to have only been thanked twice in all those posts??

:twisted::p

cheers
Digger



:eek::p place thanks here:twisted:;)
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[Bigbjorn]

That generalisation is not totally correct Brian. All tradies (in Qld anyway) are required to be licensed with the QBSA.

What I am saying is that plumbing work & electrical work may only be undertaken by tradesmen with a Plumber & Drainers licence or electrical certificate of competency not just a QBSA permit. Other building work may be done by, and is, by virtually anybody.

Edit:- the other thing is that plumbing & draining and electrical work is not necessarily building and construction work. Much of the work of these trades is in industry, government, semi-government.

[sanderm2]

If you want to work for someone else then mines might be the go. If you want to work for yourself get your plumbing papers sorted.

You probably should see if there is a means by which you can take your practical exam. Things might have changed but there was a time when you could get your trade recognised by taking an exam where you were given a task that involved reading drawings and doing something iaw the code within a specified time.

We will continue to have a need for people to build, plumb and wire houses and commercial buildings. The refugees, the retired and the new subdivision dwellers all need somewhere to live and all that goes with the ever expanding major cities. Down here in Melbourne it is difficult to get a tradesman to do repairs so there must be a market for trades.

Would be nice if I could just get a practical test but unfortunately I have to complete all of the core licensing modules at Tafe = 2 years :(
Would be ok if I could find work with a Plumbing contractor in that time and earn whilst I do it but no one round here want's unlicensed Plumbers .

I think the best bet for me is to try and get work away , that way my partner can stay in Coffs near her family and I can still find work ( hopefully ) .I have approached a lot of mining companies but no one seems that interested . I think I need to get a few things to make me more apealing to them , senior first and a HR license would be my guess at a good starting point .

[sanderm2]

Hi Matt


There are all types of drilling mate. The drilling with offsiders is generally exploritory work away from home on a roaster system, eg 2 weeks on 1 week off.

They might work in one area for a while doing multiple holes when they go into production drilling, like some of the CSG guys at present.

This is not the type of drilling I am involved with so unfortunatley cannot help. But they will be on the web and not doubt easy to find.

I do drill and blast working in around 8 quarries. Multiple small holes to 14 metres each day, in an air con tracked rig, look up IR ECM660. I live on the Gold Coast and do most of my work here. Sometimes Warwick, Texas. Very hard to get into, generally have to have been away where they have time to train people, we only take experience and are slowing down at present as building industry slows. Most of our product goes into cement and roads etc.

There is plenty of work in the mines, do more research, look for expo's. There was a great one in Towoomba earlier this year with heaps of job information.

Tony

Sounds like you have a good job there Tony :) I think the best thing for me will be the exploratory work as you say . I think I need to get my HR first before I can be considered for that sort of work so will get it done and keep applying.

Thanks

[ATH]

Definitely get your HR licence as it's necessary on most mine sites for various jobs.
I can't work out why so many are against FIFO as these days they're such short periods away the family will hardly miss you.:D
My son does 1 on 1 off as do many who work for Rio and others here in WA.
I did around 13 weeks on before getting a week off 20 years ago. Now that was worth complaining about as nobody recognised me when I went home and that included the Cook.:o
A mate of mine was in the same position as you some years ago, qualified UK plumber with employment history including working for BNF but only had to do a 10 day course to get his licence in WA.
Good luck in your quest for work.
AlanH.

[sanderm2]

Definitely get your HR licence as it's necessary on most mine sites for various jobs.
I can't work out why so many are against FIFO as these days they're such short periods away the family will hardly miss you.:D

AlanH.

Thanks for the input ,the HR is top of my list and I'm pretty sure with that and a senior first aid certificate my employment prospect will go up .
I think FIFO sounds like a good option . Good stint of hard work followed by good quality time at home with no work worries while your there makes sense to me

[sanderm2]

Roxby Downs isnt too bad a spot and about to explode!
(olympic dam mine is now virtually completely approved by Govt... BHP have said they'll put 6 billion in asap into setting up and comencing open cut (will be worlds largest open cut mine..)

This will in turn mean miners/tradies /(Apprentices ??)/drivers, etc etc will all be required as everything that is there will expand on site and in town, also a rumour some major works in pipeline for woomera township and rocket range... so lot of work in area...
(and they get truckloads of FARMERS UNION ICED COFFEE sent up all the time!:D)

(andamooka also will be expanding and require building and extentions etc)

look at ROXBY on the web, its a neat little place, big money being spent in town and the school etc.. big pool, hall and speedway, golf course etc etc


worth a thought?


2ndly TONIC, how many keyboards did you use to put that many posts thru?
AND
what quality are you typing to have only been thanked twice in all those posts??

:twisted::p

cheers
Digger



:eek::p place thanks here:twisted:;)
][
][
][
\][/
v


Thank's for the info Digger
It is now a serious contender for a new home :). Just talked it over with the decision maker and had a look at the place online and she was surprisingly keen . It looks like a nice little place and the fact that there is zero unemployment and its very family orientated appeals a lot.
I was toying with the idea of Mt Isa but i don't think it sounds like the sort of place to bring up a family.
The current plan is to head out there after Christmas . I'll make a few call's next week about work and accommodation , head out on my own and camp when not working for a few months then get the family out and rent somewhere.
I'd better get the series II ready for the trip :D

[blitz]

As plumbing is one of the recognised skills shortage trades i thinnk you may have been led up the garden path. I will do some chasing up of info and PM you as I am pretty sure you have been given a bum steer, first place I would be ringing is Trades Recognition Australia URL below

Trades Recognition Australia - Home (http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/SkillsAssess/TRA/Pages/default.aspx)

and seeing what they can do for you.

[sanderm2]

As plumbing is one of the recognised skills shortage trades i thinnk you may have been led up the garden path. I will do some chasing up of info and PM you as I am pretty sure you have been given a bum steer, first place I would be ringing is Trades Recognition Australia URL below

Trades Recognition Australia - Home (http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/SkillsAssess/TRA/Pages/default.aspx)

and seeing what they can do for you.

Thanks , just had a look at the recognized list

• Armature Winder
• Automotive Electrician
• Blacksmith
• Body Maker, First Class
• Boilermaker
• Boilermaker and Structural Steel Tradesperson
• Coppersmith
• Electrical Fitter
• Electrical Fitter (instruments)
• Electrical Mechanic
• Electroplater, First Class
• First Class Machinist
• First Class Machinist (Boring)
• First Class Machinist (Drilling)
• First Class Machinist (Grinding)
• First Class Machinist (Milling)
• First Class Welder (Blacksmithing)
• First Class Welder (Engineering)
• First Class Welder (Sheetmetal)
• Fitter
• Fitter (Diesel)
• Fitter (Instruments)
• Fitter and First Class Machinist
• Fitter and Turner
• Forger
• Ground Engineer (Airframe)
• Ground Engineer (Airframe and Engines)
• Ground Engineer (Electrical)
• Ground Engineer (Engines)
• Ground Engineer (Instruments)
• Ground Engineer (Radio)
• Locksmith
• Machine Setter
• Mechanic (Marine and Other Engines 200cc & Above)
• Motor Cycle Mechanic
• *Motor Mechanic
• Panel Beater
• Pattern Maker
• Refrigeration Mechanic
• Scientific Instrument Maker
• Sheet Metal Worker, First Class
• Structural Steel Tradesperson
• Telecommunications Mechanic
• Tradesperson Heat Treater
• Tradesperson (Radio)
• Tradesperson (Radio and Television)
• Tradesperson (Television)
• Turner
• Welder, First Class (Boilermaking).

Unfortunately no Plumbing but I will call them monday to confirm . Any other info you may have would be a great help , if it stops me starting from the bottom again I'd be very happy.

Thanks

[strangy]

As BigJon said...plenty of work in Alice.
Plan to stay a few years though and yes, rents are pricey but the work and pay is good. Alice has been very good to our family with oportunities in education, employment and training that city folk turn green for.

BUT, if you or the missus cant cope without having 30 different clothing stores and designer labels, or need to see a live show every week, it isnt the place to be.

Try a mob called ASBUILD, Probuild or Sitzler Bros for starters. I would place wager that one of these companies would not only hire you but may even offer to pay for your qulaification upgrades for a return of service.
Alice is almost in a perpetual shortage of good tradies, we have had to bring in employees from Overseas on sponsored work visas, because we cant get Australian people to come and work here!
cheers

[ramblingboy42]

If you feel so inclined you can fast track things by going personally to Mackay and visiting in person with any qualification you have , doubled up with a good attitude, any of the employment agencies eg workpac, etc. The mines really are almost desparate for workers and are employing cleanskin dumpy drivers. I was at Clermont thursday and they had to park 3 trucks because they dont have enough drivers. that is 3 trucks that carry 300tonne loads up and down the ramps several hundred times a day. you do the maths. the companies dont like a truck idle. they are about to buy 10 more trucks of maybe 400 tonnes capacity. they dont have drivers. In Mackay you can get on a dumptruck simulator. basically , if you can pass the medical, and are teachable and have some common dog **** you could get a job in central queensland. the agencies over the internet will stuff you around endlessly, bypass them and go straight to Mackay if you want to get into central qld mines.
Dont forget Clive Palmers huge waratah operation near alpha in central west queensland, he's looking for 3,500 people.
hope this helps.
Dennis