Sam_T

HI all!

Im thinking of making a move to work and live in Australia in the next year or so, but as a lot of people have stated in posts on this forum, I just dont know where to start! I mean there are so many ways of going about it! Im not looking at the least amount of paper work or the cheapist option, but as long as I can have a good walkabout for first for a few months first and then know i've got a good chance of starting a job there, then ill take that option.

I've been working in the North sea on Gas platforms as a instrument/measurement technician for the last four years and feel that I could apply my skills in Aus in similar if not the same industries. Of course im game for any jobs going so long as they pay well enough to make root.

So, if anyone has any advise on visas, working visas etc that you think might help, it would be much appreciated.

Sam

Sherlock Holmes

Hi Sam and welcome to B.E.

It's my pleasant duty to welcome you to the forum and give you a point of contact should you need any help with the site in general. You can contact me here.

A list of all the moderators and helpers with their relevant countries including Australia can be found here.

Any problems, dont hesitate to PM me.

I can't help with the employment questions I'm afraid but hopefull someone will be along soon to help you.

Alistair.

Australia_bound?

Lots of work in Pilbara & Kimberley's already & coming up for gas workers. Best looking at fly in fly out from Perth as is a bit remote up here.

Amazulu

Your skills will be in huge demand all across Australia. WA has an expanding & booming LNG industry. Federal government yesterday gave approval for 2 huge ($30b) seam gas projects in Queensland. Victoria also has a gas industry in the Bass Straight - with some of the highest paid tradesmen in Australia.

Good luck.

NELBHOY

Sorry Sam, not trying to hi-jack your thread, but just wondering if anybody reading this knows if it is possible for someone from another field to move into the oil & gas industry (I'm an aircraft engineer, with licences including instruments and electrics). I have searched on-line, but keep getting companies that assure me they have jobs available on their list if I forward a few hundred bucks! Aye right!!

upyerfud

You should find a few leads on here: projectconnect.com.au. Look for who has been awarded what contracts and take it from there. Gorgon is ramping up ( very slowly and inefficiently) but will have approx 2000 onsite from 2Q 2011. Worsley is full steam ahead as is Citic Sino Iron. Wheatstone, Prelude, Inpex and a few others may or may not happen, same as the 2 mentioned yesterday in Gladstone.
Suss out who's doing E+I and send them your CV.
Agencies are not allowed to charge up front fee's in Australia, I believe, so tell them to FO.

NELBHOY

Thanks upyerfud
I have no experience in the oil and gas industry, but over 20yrs on aircraft.
Do you know if they would entertain me or (as I suspect) tell me to piss off due to this inexperience.
I'm guessing the only way they would offer a position is if there were a big shortage of E+I guys, which I have no idea is the case.
Hit 40 last year and getting a bit bored playing with aeroplanes

Sam_T

Thanks to all for feedback on this, things looking more gash in UK than ever with offshore workers being robbed of there holidays so think the move will be to work on LNG for the doller (apparently). Oh and the weather SUCKS!
As for other trades from other areas like army, navy, airforce etc I wouldnt have thought there is any problem in getting a job in aus using previous skills in a new area. Where im working at the minute there are loads of ex serviceman with technical backgrounds, infact its preferred.
Anyway thanks again for the posts, i'm planning a visit for May next year.

Chow!!!!