Australia’s construction industry (which includes carpenters and joiners, electricians, plumbers, builders, painters and decorators, concreters and bricklayers) employs over 845,000 people - and even more are needed. With a labour shortage of skilled tradespeople, this a highly accessible industry for working holiday makers. 

The flexible and often short-term nature of trades / construction work is ideal for travellers. Work is available everywhere, in both metropolitan and regional areas. Around 40% of construction jobs are outside state capital cities, with the majority of work being in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. And, it's not just a job for the boys! Many girls can find themselves well paid jobs on worksites or as Road Traffic Controllers. To work on a construction site in Australia it is a requirement that you hold an OH&S General Induction Certificate or “White Card” as it’s commonly known.

Similar to fruit picking and harvest work, construction work enables working holiday travellers to get a 12-month visa extension after working 3-months or more in approved regional parts of Australia. In addition, many trades are listed on the Australian Government’s Occupations in Demand list, making skilled migration or employer-sponsored migration very possible. 

If you are a skilled tradesman, you will be able to seek employment in your chosen profession. If you have limited experience, you can obtain work as a labourer or construction assistant. 

Getting started:

The quickest and easiest way to get a construction / labouring job in Australia is with a WorkingDownunder Arrival Package. Our team in Sydney will arrange everything you need including your working holiday visa, tax file number, bank account, airport transfer, accommodation, White Card Certificate and arrange interviews with Aussie employers.