Just as the title says guys, seriously considering applying for a WHV and heading to Australia for work.

Based in the UK and the job prospects are awful and only going to get worse ! I'm 34m, qualified and experienced in care work, mental wellbeing, personal training, catering and recently finished my bachelors degree in health and wellbeing & psychology.

Right now I'm volunteering in the NHS as a ward responder in Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital.

Location of interest is Brisbane. I am more than willing to work and really am not fussy over what at this point. If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it

Cheers,
Dean

Welcome to BE!
Firstly, as you probably know, you need to get your WHV before you are 35, so don't hang around!

Australia can be great to experience on a WHV, but be aware of the pitfalls too. Its unlikely - though not impossible - that it will lead to you being eligible for a longer working visa afterwards though, so coming home is the most likely end result. More established positions - offices etc - are often put off by the temporary and transient nature of the visa, though bars, cafes, hospitality in general are more willing.
Also most roles in the care and health industry require registration, which is a long drawn out process, so research the likes of the AHPRA website thoroughly for registration info, and beware, it can vary also from State to State.

Job prospects and living costs in Aus these days are really not that different from the UK, prices have rocketed, property rentals and hard to find and expensive, but if you can turn your hand to a variety of things you can certainly have some great experiences.

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply ! Yes it seems that every corner of the world is slowing down, and there's no genuine place to be. I guess we have the pandemic to thank for that :/

I mean, I have some savings behind me (£6k which can get me $AUS 12k if my maths is right ? Theres nothing for me in the UK so I'm open to moving permanently if feasible

I hate to say it but $12k is not going to go far, particularly once reduced after paying for a flight over, visa and health insurance.

I'm also not sure if you would have a pathway to a permanent visa, but check out on the immi website - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...g-in-australia

Thanks for your reply. So AUD12K won't get me very far even if I stay in hostels/air BnB's until I find stable work??

I agree it will only sustain me for a couple months if my calculations are correct, but once I can get stable work then I can build from there ?

Like I said I have experience in care work and Ive read that Aus is screaming For carers/healthcare workers so I was thinking of starting there

Worst case can you stay with family if you come back broke?
f the answer is yes then what have you got to lose? keep some cash in reserve so that if it is not working out you can do some touring before you come back.

Hostels are around $100 - $250 per night depending on location, and AirBnB are similar.

Not sure how much the flight will cost as an open return - think I paid around $3 to $4k for my son's return earlier this year.

When I moved over here, I think it took around 4 months to find a permanent job, but I was looking for a permanent job, not casual work.

There are a lot of people struggling to make ends meet here and food banks are part of some peoples lives.

I'm not sure if there is much call for care workers. A criminal record check is required but shouldn't cost more than $100

Yes, probably only a couple of months to get through $12k, especially when you are new to the country - besides rent/accommodation, there's cost of travelling to interviews, mobile phone, food etc.

Care work openings are there in all parts of the country, have a look at the Seek website for job openings. Some won't require any qualifications, but increasingly the sector is asking for things like a Certificate III. Most actual health care jobs will require you to register with AHPRA, have a look at their website. That'll take more time and money. Make sure you take copies of all your personal documents, and proof of any qualifications (even GCSE), Australia is anal about bits of paperwork and ID.

As for longer term, you could try seeking sponsorship for a 482 and then from that to PR eventually, but you'll almost certainly need qualifications and work experience (post-qual). Have a good read of https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...sa/visa-finder