Riding the Australian job wave

The shortages not only lie in the trades such as bricklayers, cabinet makers and plumbers but also in the professional sectors such as quantity surveyors and building surveyors. The government is now stepping in. Working visa holders will be able to stay in Australia for an extra year if they have spent at least three months picking fruit or other seasonal harvest work. The Federal Government will also give state governments and regions extra sway in bringing desirable skilled migrants to their area and widen the pool of sought-after occupations to fill growing skills shortages.

Many construction and property professions are on ‘the list' of skills desperately needed in Australia (see below). The construction sector is also strong economically. Yes, residential levels in New South Wales are down from 12 months ago but this was planned as house prices were going through the roof and without government intervention a very ugly crash could have happened.

Other areas are set to experience huge upswings such as infrastructure - big dollars will be spent in NSW and Queensland in the next few years because the local governments have neglected essential services for years and they are now groaning under the strain of big population growth. People are beginning to complain very loudly.

Not everyone is keen on picking fruit but the message is clear - if you are a QS and you are thinking of working in Australia, act now.

So what advice can be given to RICS members about the process of getting visas, getting a job and making the move:

Salary

Don't get hung up on the salary levels. If you want to earn mega bucks then stay in the UK. QSs are paid well in Australia but the levels are usually below that of the UK - especially London. A move to Australia is a lifestyle move and not a money move. Plus, the cost of living is less in Australia so it all evens out anyway.

Visas

The visa process is fairly straightforward and there are several avenues available. If you are between 18 and 30 you can collect a visa within 24 hours from the commission, or even acquire it on-line. However, this visa only allows 12 months of work and three months with any one employer - it is really designed for funding a vacation on the run. If a more permanent move is desired then go for a temporary or permanent visa.

The ease of getting a visa is dependant on qualifications, experience, age, securing a sponsor and time pressures. Australian companies are gradually acquiring the skills of obtaining visas expediently and specialist companies now offer a very streamlined process.

Move fast

Be prepared to move quickly. This means making the decision to move, renting the house out and convincing the wife/husband that his/her mother will survive without him or her and making a positive move forward.

Give it time

Don't expect to just slot in to the level of seniority that you had attained in the UK. You will need to earn your stripes first. Once settled in a suitable position it will be all up to you and rapid advancement will always follow for high achievers. Also, don't talk about the cricket to Australian directors and managers! Actually, forget that - rub it in!