Unskilled Jobs in Australia

Australia is a country known for its unending reserve of gorgeous beaches, luscious rainforests, and a bounty of awe-inspiring landscapes. However, there are numerous, good-paying unskilled jobs in Australia because of its outstanding job market. This is one of the reasons why lots of foreigners dream about immigrating to Australia.

Australia is facing a major labor shortage in different sectors, especially in Agriculture, hospitality, and cleaning services, among others. However, if you’re able to secure an unskilled job before arriving here, that’s great but if not you should be well prepared. Meanwhile, many unskilled jobs in Australia don’t require any formal qualifications or experience.

Most of these unskilled jobs are part-time, therefore they may not be appropriate for everyone. However, you can earn additional money and gain some work experience from the jobs. Examples of unskilled jobs in Australia include fruit picking, sales reps, gardening, housekeeping, waitress, and bartending.

In this article, we’ve collated some unskilled jobs available in Australia for you. Therefore, read on to get an overview of these jobs and how to secure them.

Ten Unskilled Jobs Available to Immigrants in Australia.

1. BARISTA

Are you a lover of good coffee? Do you have the skills and knowledge to make top-notch coffee? If yes, then you can get a job in Australia as a barista. A Barista is an expert who makes and serves coffee, tea, and specialty beverages. Also, they are responsible for taking customer orders and payments. 

The finest part of this job is that you work in the mornings and get plenty of free time for afternoons. Baristas earn an average salary of $55,570 per year or $28 per hour in Australia.

2. BARTENDER

The business of drinks is a flourishing one in cities across Australia. This however makes bartending a profitable job for foreigners with working holiday visas. Aside from earning good pay, you’ll also get to associate with the citizens, score discounts on food, and have some free time to yourself.

Bartenders prepare and serve liquor, mixed drinks, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks as ordered. You can apply for this job in some breweries, rooftop bars, and small pubs around the country. The average salary for a Bartender is $30 per hour in Australia.

3. WAITER

Based on the country’s vast culture and its fun-loving citizens, Australia has various relaxation centers ranging from quiet cafes to bubbling restaurants. Furthermore, Australia has an endless amount of establishments that need waiters to keep their business running perfectly. Luckily, no need for any work experience before you can get the job. The average salary for a waiter/waitress is $30 per hour in Australia.

4. DECKHAND

With so many stunning aquatic destinations, getting a job as a deckhand is a popular choice for working holidaymakers in Australia. After all, your office will be the open ocean, and you’ll get to meet other fantastic travelers. The job of a deckhand includes preparing the ship for patrons, ship maintenance, cargo handling, and cleaning of the ship.

Consider seeking job positions on a yacht or catamaran. Also, you can find jobs available on fishing vessels along the coast of most Australian states. Deckhands in Australia earn between $65,000 and $72,000 annually. 

5. LABORER

Getting an unskilled job in Australia as a laborer is quite common among foreigners because it offers a high salary and previous work experience is not necessary. However, your job functions may include harvesting crops from the field, operating farming equipment, or caring for farm animals. A farm laborer in Australia makes an average salary of $32 per hour.

6. RECEPTIONIST

If you have basic organizational and administrative skills, then a receptionist position might be ideal. It’s a daytime job, therefore you are free in the evenings and on weekends with so much time to have fun. No previous experience is required to get a receptionist position but good administrative and communication skills will ease your job. In addition, a receptionist may earn an average salary of $30.77 per hour.

7. FARM HAND

Australia is an evergreen land, full of farms growing all sorts of farm produce from pumpkins to bananas. However, the majority of farms in Australia are mostly in demand for fruit pickers and harvesters. Therefore, it offers immigrants a chance to work and experience life in Australia’s countryside, get paid, and receive free accommodation.

The activities of a farm hand include cultivating the soil, sowing crops, and controlling weeds by slashing rotary hoeing, or chemical spraying. In addition, this job will require you to squat, bend, and use equipment. A farmhand earns an average salary of $28 per hour.

8. SALES ASSISTANT

Sales assistant is another unskilled job in Australia, perfect for working holiday makers who desire to gain firsthand experience in business and customer service. They work on the sales floor by assisting the customers directly. Their job functions include welcoming customers into the store, managing the cash register, and helping customers find products in their store.

However, you’ll be opportune to improve your resume by adding valuable skills that you’ve gained. You may also receive benefits like in-store discounts, and extra time to mingle and relax with friends. Meanwhile, Australia has quite a large number of shopping centers in which you can begin your job search there. Sales assistants may earn an average salary of $30.35 per hour.

9. HOUSEKEEPER

Housekeeping is a popular job among backpackers and unskilled immigrants because most times you get free accommodation in some of Australia’s most stunning destinations. Furthermore, housekeepers for hostels, hotels, and businesses earn a salary for working hours. They are responsible for cleaning and ensuring in-house safety like a dry floor and clearing off sharp objects.

However, their job tasks include vacuuming, sweeping, emptying trash cans, dusting shelves, cleaning windows, and mopping floors. They may earn an average salary of $33.50 per hour.

10. VOLUNTEER

Volunteers don’t earn wages but they offer valuable skills and also get involved with things they are passionate about. For example, they help rehabilitate Australian wildlife and conserve diverse ecosystems in Western Australia. No matter which opportunity you choose, you’ll leave with a deeper insight into the people, places, and wildlife that make Australia so unique.

Steps To Apply For Unskilled Jobs in Australia

1. Make sure that you qualify to work in Australia as an international candidate.
2. Search for unskilled job openings through various sources like online job portals, company websites, recruitment agencies, and local newspapers.
3. Craft a well-structured Australian resume standard that pinpoints your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications.
4. Type a cover letter that talks about the specific job you’re applying for. In addition, you need to show your interest in the position, explain why you are an appropriate candidate, and mention any relevant skills/experiences that make you stand out.
5. Collate any supporting documents that are necessary for the application process, like copies of your qualifications, certifications, and identification documents. 
6. Ensure to submit your application and follow up diligently.
7. If you are lucky to be shortlisted, you’ll likely be invited for an interview, therefore, be prepared.

Requirements to Work in Australia as an Unskilled Worker

1. Visa: It’s an authorization granted to you by the Australian authority that allows you to enter, remain within, or leave the country. However, you’ll need an appropriate visa that allows you to work in Australia. The most common visa options for unskilled workers include the temporary skill shortage visa, working holiday visa, or temporary work visa.
2. Age Requirement: Some visa sub classes have age restrictions. For example, the Working Holiday visa is available for individuals aged 18 to 30 or 18 to 35, depending on the country of citizenship.
3. English Language Proficiency: Based on the visa subclass, you may likely need to prove your English language proficiency by providing evidence of your English language skills. However, this is done via tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent exams.
4. Health and Character Requirements: You must be sound health-wise and meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. This is done by undergoing a health examination and providing a police clearance certificate from your home country.
5. Sponsorship or Employer Nomination: In some cases, you may require sponsorship or nomination by an Australian employer. This simply means that an employer must be willing to hire you and sponsor your visa application. The specific requirements for sponsorship or nomination may vary depending on the visa subclass and employer obligations.

Australian Industries Hiring Immigrants for Unskilled Jobs

1. Hospitality and Tourism: Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourism companies often employ international candidates for jobs like housekeeping, kitchen staff, waitstaff, and front desk staff.
2. Agriculture and Farming: Australia has an outstanding agricultural sector that hires international workers for seasonal or part-time jobs, including fruit picking, harvesting, and farm labor.
3. Retail and Warehousing: Retail stores, supermarkets, and warehouses often hire international candidates for positions like store assistants, cashiers, warehouse workers, and delivery drivers.
4. Construction and Trades: The construction industry in Australia may offer job opportunities for international unskilled workers, such as laborers, cleaners, and general construction workers.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance: Cleaning companies, janitorial services, and facility management organizations often employ immigrants for cleaning and maintenance jobs in different settings.
6. Manufacturing and Production: Manufacturing companies also hire international workers for positions in factory production, assembly, packaging, and machine operation.
7. Landscaping and Gardening: Landscaping companies and gardening services often employ international candidates for positions like landscapers, groundskeepers, and gardeners.
8. Logistics and Delivery Services: Delivery companies and logistics providers may hire international candidates for roles as delivery drivers or warehouse workers.