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Working in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa: Certifications to find jobs

Home » Australia » Working in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa: Certifications to Find Jobs
07/08/2024

Hospitality, construction, gardening, road transport… In Australia, most jobs accessible on a Working Holiday Visa require training to obtain the professional certifications required by the states. The goal: to understand the legislation and know what is and isn't allowed. White Card, Green Card, Blue Card, RSA, RCG… Explanations of these various, useful, and often even mandatory credentials that will allow you to find work during your Working Holiday Visa stay in Australia .

Aside from fruit and vegetable picking, the traditional "picking," there are numerous training programs available for working in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. While not all are officially mandatory, the vast majority are essential for finding a job. Therefore, be sure to choose a certified training center.

The White Card for jobs in construction

To work in the construction industry in Australia, such as on building sites or urban roadworks, a White Card is essential. It provides the necessary knowledge to work in the sector through a test that verifies your understanding of legislation, construction sites, safety standards and regulations, and potential hazards on construction sites. Once obtained, the White Card is valid in all states of the country. You can therefore take the test anywhere. There are two ways to obtain it:

• Take the training at a center. Allow approximately one day.
• Take a test online with AXIOM COLLEGE, for example, or on the official website , which offer online courses for $59 and $38.90 respectively. The training lasts approximately 4 hours.

The White Card costs between $50 and $100. However, in Australia, construction and building remain lucrative sectors (especially for specialists such as carpenters, plumbers, and tilers) and will allow you to quickly recoup this amount and save money. Many jobs are located in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

The Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) for the Horeca sector

Whether you work in bars, hotels, liquor stores, or restaurants, the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certification attests to your knowledge of Australian alcohol consumption laws. It allows you to work anywhere you'll be in direct contact with alcohol. In major cities, establishments will almost always require your RSA. Each state has its own alcohol legislation, so the RSA isn't necessarily valid from one state to another. In New South Wales, this certification is mandatory, while in Victoria, where it can only be obtained through a course, you can take a free RSA Refresher course, which will validate your certification from another state (more information and registration here or at this link ). Outside of major cities, it won't always be required.

Online, the process will take you approximately four hours, including lectures and Q&A. On campus, it will require a full day, with lectures in the morning and Q&A in the afternoon. Prices range from $40 to $150 depending on the package. Always be sure to verify that the chosen provider is accredited!

The Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) Certificate for working in the gaming and betting industry

If you're a fan of games and casinos, the RCG (Responsible Gaming Commission) allows you to learn how to use slot machines and Pokies, which are very common in this Oceania country, particularly in bars and numerous hotels. It also ensures that customers gamble responsibly. Whether online or in person, expect a little over half a day of training, generally costing between $80 and $110. Unlike other certifications, you can take the RCG after being hired in states like Victoria, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, and then complete the certification process. Here are a few examples of websites offering RCG courses: Qhint and Barmax . It's also worth noting that this certification isn't required in all states. Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not require it if you've worked there for less than three months.

The Green Card for gardening and environmental jobs

The Green Card will be your pass to work in the environmental sector, including all gardening jobs. Valid throughout Australia, this card is easy to obtain online and valid in all states for $60 at this address: GreenCardTraining .

Food Hygiene Procedures for finding a job in a kitchen

Chef, kitchen assistant, server… There are plenty of job opportunities for Europeans in the culinary sector. While not mandatory, some establishments may require you to complete this training to learn and apply food safety hygiene regulations. This half-day certification will cost between $80 and $100.

The Blue Card for road traffic control

These aren't necessarily the most glamorous jobs at first glance, but when it comes to working in Australia, any temporary assignment can be worth taking. Especially since the position of traffic controller isn't the most physically demanding and pays well. However, working on public roads isn't something you can just jump into. The Blue Card course aims to teach you safety rules and control procedures to prevent any hazards. The training lasts one day (6 to 7 hours) and costs between $140 and $170. To obtain it, it's even recommended to have a White Card and a driver's license (held for at least 12 months). Several organizations offer courses to obtain both the White Card and the Blue Card, such as Edway or In Front Staffing & Training .

Finally, note two other training courses to enhance your skills and optimize your chances of finding a job in cafes and bars, which we also offer at Visavacancestravail.be:

BARISTA or Coffee maker

It's an understatement to say that Australians love coffee. As a result, it's drunk in many forms, and you'll very frequently be asked to know how to make a cappuccino, a latte, a macchiato… Making an espresso (“short black”) won't cut it. Specific barista training is an excellent way to increase your chances of landing a job by preparing you to operate the machines for the various preparations that certain cafes and chains, such as Starbucks or Gloria Jeans, are looking for. Expect to pay between $100 and $120 for group classes lasting 3 to 4 hours. It's possible to add some extra options (like making cream) for the most motivated who want to stand out.

BAR SKILLS

Are you planning to get those bottles flowing freely behind your bar? Bar skills training, which can be half a day or a full day, will also teach you how to prepare shots of alcohol and use a bar gun. Prices go up to $130. Note that it's mandatory to have your RSA certification beforehand; some companies offer packages for around $250 that include the Bar Skills certification in addition to the RSA and RGC certifications. Finally, be aware that cocktail skills training is also available!

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Author

  • Maelle, former Working Holiday Visa holder in Australia

    After an au pair stay in the Netherlands, a year in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa , and a trip to Southeast Asia, I continued my desire to explore the world by studying in Scotland. My studies were punctuated by university exchanges in Mexico and Italy, as well as numerous trips throughout Europe. Graduating in the midst of the pandemic, I worked for an NGO before spending eight months in Canada and Latin America. Today, I offer my experience to you at Languages ​​& Travel, with particular expertise in Australia, Latin America, Italy, and Scotland.

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