Labourer Jobs for Backpackers

Labourer Jobs Australia

A position that is always in demand, can be done by anyone with an able body, and in many cases can help you get a second or third year visa; it's little wonder that labouring is one of Australia's most popular backpacker gigs.

But what does it mean for backpackers to be a labourer as a 417 or 462 working holiday visa holder? Let's take a closer look.

What does a labourer actually do in Australia?

Labouring can be split into two categories.

First come the skilled labourers - otherwise known as tradespeople - who are trained and qualified in a specific discipline. Generally speaking skilled labourers earn good money and are always in demand in Australia, and there may even be a specific visa available to you if your trade is found on the Australian Department of Home Affairs skilled occupations list. Skilled labourers include such professionals as:

• Carpenters
• Plumbers
• Welders
• Plasterers
• Painters
• Electricians
• And many more...

But most backpackers aren't skilled labourers. They instead fall into the second category: general/unskilled labourers. The main task for these workers is to assist the skilled labourers and tradespeople on a worksite. This work includes such tasks as:

• Carrying and moving tools and materials
• Putting up/ dismantling temporary structures
• Clearing debris
• Cleaning/ tidying the worksite

Where are most labourer jobs located?

Wherever there are people, there's work for labourers. Labouring positions are available in a wide variety of industries and organisations, with construction companies, mines and local councils constituting some of the biggest employers. A labourer could work as a traffic controller in the centre of a city, or as an entry-level worker in Australia's remote mines.

Generally speaking there will be more labouring work available in bigger cities, but you'll get better pay in remote and isolated areas. Be sure to check out our labourer jobs in Sydney page as well as Brisbane and Melbourne.

What qualifications are needed to be a labourer?

One of the most alluring aspects of an entry-level labourer job is that no specific professional training is required to get one. On your first day you'll be inducted, and any necessary training will be completed on the job.

But while you won't need any qualifications, you will most likely need a certification. In order to work on any construction or mine site in Australia you need to have an Occupational Health and Safety General Induction Certificate, more commonly known as a White Card. To get a white card you simply need to complete a short course (usually around six hours) with a registered training organisation. Courses can either be completed online or face-to-face at a training centre.

Certain employers may ask you to undergo a pre-employment medical to ensure that you are fit to work, particularly if you are likely to encounter challenging conditions while on the job. You may also be asked to supply your own personal protective equipment (PPE), like steel-capped boots, a hard hat, ear plugs and a face mask.

How much does a labourer earn in Australia

Skilled labourers and tradespeople are very well paid in Australia, thanks in part to a constant shortage. The pay for general/unskilled labourers can also be quite good, thanks this time to Australia's world-leading minimum wage. You can expect to be paid $20/hr at the very least, and the actual rate is often far higher.

This is particularly the case for general labourers doing remote work. Australia's mines and rural communities have a tough time attracting workers, so generally offer better than average pay. If you're willing to put up with the less desirable aspects of working remotely, you can sometimes earn more as an unskilled labourer in the mines as you can as a skilled labourer in the city. It's common for a mine labourer to earn $40 an hour - double the minimum wage. On top of that, many labourer jobs in the mines will see living expenses like accommodation and food paid for, and a lack of malls and pubs will see you saving every cent!

Pros and cons of labourer jobs

So, is a labourer job the right choice for you, the working holidaymaker? Let's sum up the pros and cons.

Pros

• Work can be found everywhere, and can be done by almost everyone
• Good base pay, with opportunities to earn more
• You get to work outdoors
• Certain jobs will count as specified work for your second and third year visas

Cons

• You'll need to get a white card and you may have to supply some of your own equipment
• The work can be physically taxing
• The best paying work can be quite remote

When you weigh everything up, labouring is an enticing prospect. There is generally plenty of work available, you'll get good, steady pay, the only thing you'll need to bring to the table is a white card, and it could help you to extend your visa into a second and third year.

As long as a backpacker is ready and able, general/unskilled labouring is one of the best employment opportunities available.

Don't forget, in order to do a labouring job in the construction industry you will need to have a White Card qualification. Have a read of our guide to White Card Online Australia courses and classroom certification.

Take a look at our sister site for Labourer Jobs in New Zealand.