 |
Types
of Work in
Australia
|
 |
The Gold Coast Meter Maids (see photo) are contracted by shop
owners to place coins in parking meters, so that car owners aren't fined
for irregular parking. This means that you can stay longer in
the shopping centres spending your "Billions" without have to remember to go back
and place more money in the meter. They are contracted as Casuals,
meaning they work only on call, for a small number of hours per week,
and are not long term contracts. Casual work in Australia is the most common kind of work in Australia. This
happens because only full time employment guarantees full payment of
benefits (paid holidays, etc..). You can work as a casual in Australia for
as long as you want, and when a person moves from casual to full time,
the salary usually drops. The main casual employers are: restaurants,
cafes, construction sites and shops. The main difference,
is that as a casual, the employer controls your working life, telling you
what time and day you must be up and working.
Part-time work in Australia is much less common. Sometimes months can pass
without seeing any ads in the newspaper that require someone part-time.
Part time is still largely used, but year after year, casuals are taking the place of part time work.
The biggest difference is that you have a fixed time and permanent
work, so you can organize better your life. (including getting another
casual positions for a couple of hours to make some extra bucks).
Full time work in
Australia, makes up the other 50% of the
market, with 40 hour weeks, paid overtime, holidays, sick pay
and superannuation. Many companies contract you first as casual, and
after 3 months (experience) they turn you into full time.
Note: For full time work, Australian workers have a 15 minute break
somewhere between 10am and 10:15 am and 30 minutes for lunch time. Again
in the afternoon another 15 minutes is allowed. These breaks are called Smoko
Breaks. A mobile Van usually comes to sell sandwiches and drinks. This is
called a Smoko Van.
Work for
Students: The actual legislation allows 20 hour per week for
students enrolled in full time courses (for course of 3 month duration or more).
During Holidays and School breaks, the student can work up to 40
hours.
Working Holiday Visas are given to countries that have a work
agreement with Australia. These countries are regarded as "Level 1". The person
can work full time for one year, in any sector that wishes to employ them,
but is limited to 3 months in the same job (company)
and maximum age is 30 years old.
Note: Working in Australia on a tourist visa or without a valid working
visa is against the law. The person can be jailed and/or deported.
|
