Finding a job

In our experience and that of other people we have spoken to the process of getting a job is a long one.
They seem to work at a slower pace here, which is lovely in some ways but frustrating in others.
It is useful to have some work references to hand that you can show people and also arrange who will be
prepared to give you a reference from the UK once you are here in Oz.
Whatever you do in the UK, NEVER assume that they will have similar positions here, I made that mistake
and now four months later I'm still unemployed but I do have a couple of applications in and am awaiting
the result of an interview so fingers crossed there. My situation of awaiting the result of this interview is a
prime example of how long things can take. I heard I got through the first stage back in August and
finally has my interview 10 days ago, but they said I'd be told the result within two to three weeks, which
will take the total process to two months. We allowed three months to be out for work so hopefully I'll get
something soon as I'm at the 4 month mark now. David is working as a meter reader for Energex, it's a
lovely job working locally with nice hours and is keeping him fit, as David said "it'll either kill or cure me".

Crane driving - We can only speak from what David has found out on this subject. Here the mobile
cranes are categorised into 3 sections
- Up to 25T (C25)
- Up to 60T (C60)
- Over 60T (Open class)
For all the above it costs anything from $1500 - $5000 to get your Australian license depending on whcih
course you apply for, the course range from a one week course to a 2 week course, you can usually get
your dogging tags also on these courses for an extra charge, they are worth getting as a lot of jobs ak
you to have both qualifications.
If you drive the tower cranes (firstly you're very brave) but unfortunately we don't know about the license
for these, however we do know that they are on good money, approx $80'000 per annum.

Heavy goods license - This also has to be transferred to an
Australian Queensland license.
There are 3 different categories:
HGV 1 = HC license
HGV 2 = HR license
HGV 3 = MR license
David took his HR license:
This costs (approx) $90 per lesson (David had 5) then a final
lesson which is incorporated into the practical test and costs
$200.
The theory test cost $16 a time.
then once you've passed everything they then charge you
another (approx) $66 for your actual license!

Nursing - There are lots and lots and lots of general nursing jobs of all shapes and sizes so if you're
wanting a ward position they'll grab you quickly. Agency nurses earn a really good wage as they are called
randomly, so the works not guaranteed but when you get it it's really good pay.
If you are a practise nurse then you too may be in for a slight change, after talking to people I have
discovered that there aren't many of these positions available, they are a relatively new concept here and
those that have been doing it a while were more receptionists who did general observations and triage. I did
meet one recently who seemed to have a similar role to that of a practise nurse in the UK but she said more
would be coming along but the conept was just being introduced.

If you have a specialist field, they are few and far between, this is because there are lots less people here
so they don't have the need for lots of specialised nurses, yes they'll use you on a ward but then you're back
to shifts and internal rotation. They don't appear to have nurse advisor roles here, the nearest thing is a
medical rep,however in the UK a Rep may have the North West for example as their territory, here they have
Queensland which is bigger than the UK!!! So there is lots and lots of travelling for days or even a week at a
time.
When you submit your skill assessment based on your Nursing qualifications it is sent to the Australian
Nursing and Midwifery Council
However when you apply for your Nursing registration here you have to apply the Nursing Council in the
state you are living in for example the Queensland Nursing Council
You can have your documents transferred from the ANMC to the QNC by contacting the ANMC directly be
email. However just because you passed the skill assessment does not mean that you will get your state
nursing registration, bizarre I know! I has a lot of problems with this as they did not recognise the role I had
in the UK and thereofre it took 6 months to get my registration!

Meter reading - This is a good job as it's out in the sunshine and the hours are good, David works 7.30am
until 3.36pm (don't ask!).
It's local work so there's not too much travelling but you have to be fit or else be prepared to work hard.
He works for a company called Spotless who contract out to Energex ( the main electricity provider here), it is
casual for the first 3 months and then they take you on permanently.
they provide you with a full uniform including a hat, they also provide a waist bag for carrying things in and a
water bottle and holder (essential here).