What’s the first thing you would advice travellers looking for skilled labour in Australia?

Make sure they have a well presented, easy to read CV. They will also need relevant documentation such as copies of degrees or in the case of architects and interior designers your portfolio with examples of different types of work.

Architects and interior designers should also make sure examples of their work could be emailed to companies. Join a recruitment agency, such as the Nascent Group, and they will help you look for work.

Is there still a high demand for skilled workers in Oz?

Absolutely, the government recently put architects on the list for the skilled independent visa. This means that architects can apply for permanent residency without having lived in the country for two years, obviously they have done this because there are not enough architects in the country. We find at the Nascent Group that there is a shortage of skilled architects, interior designers, engineers and construction professionals. 

What does this mean for travelling skilled workers?

This is great news for the workers because it means there is a lot of contract work and full-time work available for people from overseas.

Is sponsorship a possibility?

If you are a candidate with good references and skills then it is fairly easy to find sponsorship. I have helped many people from overseas get sponsorship with a company, which then leads to permanent residency. Most of my clients are open to hiring architects from overseas.

Does the demand for skilled workers differ between states?

Yes, it depends on the state of the market in each state. 

What do you primarily look for in a candidate?

Someone who is well-presented, and who has a good portfolio and references. People who have a good grasp on the English language and who can communicate well are the most successful of my overseas candidates. 

What are the rates of pay? And what are the variables?

The rates of pay really vary according to your experience. A documentor would earn around $25-$35 an hour. Architects and interior designers can earn up to $50 an hour. Full time interior designers and architects with a couple of years experience will earn about 45K upwards.

What qualifications are needed?

You need a degree in architecture or a diploma in interior design.

The contractors and drafters have normally completed a course in drafting.

What sort of positions do you recruit for?

We recruit for architects, interior designers, documenters 
and project managers.

What are the benefits of getting some Oz work experience?

Apart from living in this amazing country you get to work with some really good professionals. The standard in the Australian architectural industry is high so the skills you will gain will really help you when (or if) you return home.

Thanks to Kate Bartlett
Senior Consultant, the Nascent Group, www.nascent.com.au

An Interview With An Architect

Stefano Cottini 
29, from Italy 

So what’s your new job like? And what do you do?
I’m an Architect working for a big Australian firm. The company is set up in a very interesting way, with different departments for design (this is the team I’m in at the moment), project management, documentation, marketing and so on. At the moment I’m involved in the design of two huge developments and gaining a lot of experience on large-scale retail/mixed use developments. 

What job did you have back home?
Well, work wise it’s quite difficult to define what home is for me, since I spent the last three years in Dublin, Ireland, and that’s where I really had my formation as an architect. In comparison to that experience I’m involved on much bigger scale projects, since the office I worked for in Ireland was more focused on small-scale residential buildings. 

How did you land your new job?
That was really thanks to Kate and The Nascent Group. I put myself in their hands and they organized everything from interviews arrangement to contract administration.

Was it hard finding a job in this sector?
Not really from my point of view. I had a few interviews straight away and received job offers from almost all of the companies.

What are the good points about your new job?
Apart from what I already said about the extremely valuable experience I’m gaining, they organize a lot of activities that help to socialize and to create that bond that is very important when it comes to working together in a team. 

Are there any bad points?
Well, to prove your ability sometimes you have to work hard, but that’s true in every company.

Memorable moments at your new job?
The first thing that comes to my mind is the fantastic cheese and wine tasting we had a few Fridays ago. As an Italian and a food lover, when I first saw that table full of the most delicious (and expensive) cheeses I was almost crying. 

How’s the pay?
It’s probably not fair to compare it to what I was earning after three years of local experience in Ireland. It’s far more than what I could earn in Italy, with opportunities for improvements.

Any advice for travellers considering your job?
It’s a job that requires commitment, but can give a lot of satisfactions. If you’re ready for that, put together a good portfolio and go for it!