Jobs & Money Detail
Job opportunities in ACT
It isnt just the Territory government which is offering job opportunities in ACT. There are also plenty of thriving Canberra-based businesses in search of skilled migrants
Trade workers in Canberra are particularly in need: a recent development boom, with AUS$2 billion being invested in new projects, means that people in the building trades are in high demand. High on the list are also mechanics, chefs and hairdressers.
Michelle Kalozi is a hair colourist who moved to Canberra after being offered a position with a major cosmetics company. "Canberra to me is a big country town with all the amenities of a large city," she says. "It's growing and changing rapidly - it's changed a lot even since I've been here and I'm glad to be part of that. The lifestyle is much more relaxed, with great open roads and no major traffic jams, which makes it very easy to get around. Also, it has a very clean environment. "If you move to Canberra, give yourself time to adjust and accept the change. Once you meet some great friends you'll enjoy the experience. Plus Sydney is only a short drive away!"
Someone else who has managed to find work in Canberra is Petria Thomas, a sports administrator. He says about the city: "I really enjoy visiting Sydney, however with the cost of living, the traffic and the busy lifestyle it doesn't overly appeal to me as a city to live in. Canberra has a much more relaxed and friendly environment and is easy to get around (you don't waste hours of your day sitting in traffic!). Another thing that appeals about Canberra is that it is a great place to bring up a family, which is something I am just about to embark on!"
If you're considering moving to Canberra, then you can be reassured by the unemployment rate which is just 2.8 per cent. If you work in any of the following trades, your skills will be particularly in demand: cook, food tradesperson, data communications technician, electrician, line worker, air conditioning mechanic, bricklayer, carpenter, joiner, painter, plumber, contract manager, roof slater, tiler and plasterer. If you can't see your profession here, however, then don't despair. Call 0061 132281 to see if your skills are in demand. Those who work in the services are also much in demand in ACT. The territory currently has a participation rate of 71.3 per cent for men and 65.9 per cent for women, well above the national average. There are many jobs available in technical and scientific fields, and also in arts, entertainment, sport and recreation. In particular, administrators, clerks and e-business people are required.
Jaki Raynolds is one of those who has taken advantage of the opportunities in ACT's services industry. She currently works as a bus operator in Canberra, and explains here what drew her to the city: "I wanted a clean, safe environment for my children to live and learn in. In Canberra, there are great choices in education. It's a choice I'll never regret my kids love it and I have peace of mind about my family. It's not as violent as much of Australia and not as hot I can handle the Canberra weather. "There are great job opportunities here, with happy people and happy workers. People are friendly; they're genuine, upfront, helpful and tolerant towards others. "Canberra is central to many places. I wanted a bit of everything bush, snow, coast and tablelands. I do like it here Canberra has been good to me."
Ray Hezkial, a manager in field services is another incomer who loves ACT's unique position. "With a lower cost of living, Canberra is infinitely more family friendly," he says. "Amenities and services aren't over crowded and geographically it's perfectly situated between the sea, the snow, some great local vineyards and five-star restaurants."
Finally, if you are a skilled professional then ACT is likely to welcome you with open arms. There are opportunities in the territory in both government and non-government enterprises. If you want to set up your own business, then the ACT government also offers a range of excellent support options for start-ups.
Currently, the professions most sought-after in ACT are health professionals and accountants. However, the following professions are also in demand: community services and health, aged and disability carers and aides, child care coordinators, childcare workers, nursing assistants, personal care assistants, corrective service officers, environmental workers, public safety officers, vocational trainers, veterinary nurses and assistants, bookkeepers, business analysts, network technicians and IT user support staff. Hugh Chalmers is a partner in an ACT law firm, and admits that before he came to Canberra many of his perceptions regarding the territory were wrong. "In Canberra I have found a strong private sector with a strong focus on innovation, commercial business and export," he says. "I work in a large commercial law firm and have a busy and interesting commercial practice solely comprised of businesses and individuals. Having one level of government and the size of the economic community often leads to more accessible and responsive government. "One of the first things I noticed was that people who come to Canberra (often against their inclination) like it and stay. There is also very strong community loyalty (not just for sporting teams). I arrived shortly before the 2003 bushfires and saw the immediate response of all parts of the community. "I have also enjoyed the benefits of living in the capital region with its wineries, craft and cultural institutions, real Farmers Market every Saturday and proximity to the snow and the South Coast."
Another who found himself questioning his preconceptions was Richard Stewart, a chartered accountant. He says: "Canberra has been a great surprise; like many, I had formed an impression from my earliest visits to Canberra in the 70s that I hadn't updated. "When I arrived, I found a city that blended the facilities and lifestyle of a major city with the warmth and spirit of a large country town. "Canberra compares well to Sydney. To give you some examples; I have a three-minute commute compared to a 63-minute one, in a house that was far more reasonable than a similar address in Sydney. I can nip around the corner to take my son for a swimming lesson on a work day and easily fit in golf or a bike ride on the weekend. Restaurants and cafes here are every bit as good as the best in Sydney even if they are AUS$10 a plate cheaper! The frequent weekend visitors from Sydney and elsewhere also give great reviews."
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