Get a Job in Australia
Employment Services
Our partner will assist you in searching jobs when you arrive in Sydney, you will have access to the following services designed to help you to find work. Moreover, you will be given information on and handy tips for working all around Australia via the employment services:
- 1 Arrival Orientation
Overview of employment opportunities and types of work that you can find in Australia - 2 Job Workshop
Practical work information and Résumé / cover letter advice and checking - 3 Job Desk
One-on-one consultation with employment consultants from our partner - 4 Employment Board
Updated daily with job advertisements - 5 Workabout Australia Book
Useful tool to find fruit picking work - 6 Free access to Harvest Hotline
Connect you with thousands of fruit picking and farm jobs all around Australia - 7 Email newsletter
Includes updated information on new positions - 8 Email & phone support
Get support from our local partner throughout your stay in Australia
You may also find some discounted courses at AIFS which might be helpful when you are seeking jobs:
- 1 WWOOF membership
Guaranteed volunteer work on farms all around Australia - 2 Farm courses
Help you get the skills you need to work on a farm and get a job - 3 English language courses
AIFS staff can help you to choose the best English course for your needs to improve your English - 4 Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course
This course can help you get the certification necessary for working in all hospitality positions around Australia
Type of Jobs
There are plenty of jobs all year round for WATAUS participants in Australia in short term and/or unskilled jobs. Listed below are the most popular jobs amongst WATAUS participants.
Fruit Picking
Harvesting fruit and vegetables is popular with travelers. 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.
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, you can do a farm course beforehand that covers basic skills like horse riding, sheering sheep, rounding up cattle and mending fences. The course organizers 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.
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 AUD150 - AUD200 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.
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 travelers, and practice your customer service skills. Work is easy to obtain if you have experience. For many jobs you'll need blacks 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 (RSA) Certificate, for any job where you're serving alcohol. 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 works. 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.
Accommodation & Food
There are wide ranges of accommodation choices in Australia, depending on your own budget and requirement, you can get help from our partner, get information from Newspaper, Internet Café Notice Board, Hostel Board, Internet, or even by word of mouth. Basically share apartment, renting, youth hostel and home-stay are the most common housing types for WATAUS participants.
You will be responsible for buying and preparing your own food, depending on your preferences, you will be spending around AUD400 - 600 monthly for food.
