gigs in Aus

[stacks]

seriously considering renting the house out and moving the family to Australia for 2-3 years. I've hit Jobserve and there seems to be a fair few contracts or perm roles out there in my field but I've go no idea about where to start now.

I suppose my first question is, do companies still sponsor people to go over there or do I need to just get my ass over there and look for work from that end?

Anyone on here done this type of thing before and have any word of wisdom to pass on?

[Mehmeh]

I heard from a fellow contractor that theres LOADS of IT skills on the "wanted list" for australia.

So you can apply for that and see if you can get a normal visa without being sponsored...then you can contract over there!!!

Otherwise find a perm job over there that will sponsor you..

OR if your under 30 you can get a working holiday visa for a year...with a second year extension if you do a minimal amount of seasonal work. (I'm planning on doing this next year I think)

[kookachoo]

(I'm planning on doing this next year I think)

Me too!!!

[JoJoGabor]

I went over there in 2005 on a working holiday visa, there aren't as many jobs but a hell of a less competition. I had a very good job offered within 2 days of landing just by going through the usual Jobserve and telephone interview routes. you will find they are crying out for people with good experience and certifications as the locals are more interested in surfing and having a decent outdoors lifestyle than working hard at IT so we are likely to be in demand.

You cant work longer than 6 months on a working holiday visa, and the client wanted to keep me for longer so my agency sponsored me which is a good way of doing it because then you can change gigs without changing sponsor and stay for up to 4 years. You can also claim LAFHA, living away from home allowance which allows you to claim a good proportion of your living allowances as tax free - nice. You can stay for up to 4 years on a business sponsored visa (457) then apply for residency

[dezze]

Can't really comment on the current situation, as I was there 96-97.

I don't know if you have already been to Oz, but all I can say is, the wife and I regret moving back. We've lived in a few places around the world, but our favourite city is Melbourne by quite a distance. Lots to do, great transport, good weather (better than Britain but not stupidly hot)

Don't let anyone from Sydney turn your head!

[Flopsy]

Aussie friends are telling me about massives layoffs in IT, especially in Canberra and a flow on effect to other areas as people move around looking for work.

People being layed off who have working visas are having to leave the country if they can't find work.

Aussies losing their jobs in London are heading home and firms are not sponsoring as many people.

Good luck. It may of course, depend on your skills and I wish you all the very best.

[youwhut]

I am in Melbourne right now on a Working Holiday Visa and been looking for work nationwide for a couple of weeks so far. It has been pretty grim and I understand there have been plenty of redundancies recently which will make the competition tougher. The doom and gloom is hitting here.

I have been offered a 4 months contract in the UK and cannot wait to come back for it. I have just been in South America for 6 months and Australia is not all that. I am looking forward to coming back to Europe with so many great countries only a stone throw away.

I would not haul my family over here. It is good but not that good.

[bollox]

I'm in sydney on a 457 visa, came across just over a year ago when everything was rosey, brought the family across (3 kids!)...

We were planning to just stay for a year but its so grim back in the UK jobwise that I dont want to give up a good job at the moment (better to be working than not)

Its lovely here, but Sydney is v. expensive if you're looking to rent and want a house near the beach, then you're looking at paying $1000.00 p.w plus..(thats per week!)

You get rental tax breaks on a 457, but dont think many companies are bringing people across these days, i work for one of the big 4 banks and the bit I work in has lost loads of people in the past 6 months (the banks are actually doing really well but they're chopping cos they're not spending on dev projects at the moment).

It may improve later in the year but wouldnt recommend coming across here without a job at the moment.....

[BrianSnail]

...You can also claim LAFHA, living away from home allowance which allows you to claim a good proportion of your living allowances as tax free - nice. You can stay for up to 4 years on a business sponsored visa (457) then apply for residency

I'm in sydney on a 457 visa, came across just over a year ago when everything was rosey, brought the family across (3 kids!)...

WTS! I was in Sydney from 1999 to 2005, and can't wait to get back there!

The 457 visa is definitely your best option; if you can secure a 6 months contract, there are management companies that will sponsor you. I was through Ayers Management in North Sydney.

The management company sponsorship offers you the possibilty of securing a contract and visa before leaving the UK.

And don't listen to those Melbournites, Sydney is where it's all at!!

[themistry]

get a working holiday visa, I had mine within 24 hours of applying.

Be on the plane the next day and start looking.

You have no hope of finding a gig until your feet are on Aussie soil. However, they have just entered recession. Still a lot of roles (seek.com.au). I'd suggest staying away from Sydney. Melbourne is where you want to go.

Finally, think carefully about jumping here. Every Brit I spoke to agrees Aussie was not what they hoped (especially Sydney). New Zealand however is our mecca, it is just a shame they have no jobs

Good luck
TM