WITH competition for university places predicted to be even tighter next year, experts have warned that it will be those with experience on their CV who will succeed second time around.
Australia may be the place to find it as a resources boom and labour shortages mean there is a glut of work available Down Under.
Research by the Backpacker Operators Association of New South Wales (BOA NSW) reveals that 25,063 jobs suited to 18 to 30-year-old travellers to Australia on working holiday visas are currently being advertised in Sydney alone.
Typical jobs include bar staff earning $20 per hour, plus tips; office workers on $25 per hour; live-in au pairs on $500 per week; skilled labourers on $30 an hour; farm workers earning up to $750, including food and board; accountants on $30 an hour; fruit pickers earning between $400 and $1,000 per week; telemarketers and sales staff on $1,000 per week, including commission, and nurses earning up to $50 per hour.
Backpacker trade website thumbrella.com.au reports that a combination of high base salaries and the strong dollar is making Australia an attractive option for young British workers in a range of job categories popular with working holidaymakers.
BOA NSW president Katrina Greeves said: “The problem for many applicants is that the squeeze is likely to be even tighter in 2011, so it’s vital they get valuable experience during their time off and make themselves more attractive to university admissions tutors and employers next time round.
“Australia is a great place to get practical work experience, broaden your skills, boost your resume and have fun at the same time.
“There are so many opportunities to work, play and study in Australia’s cities and regional areas, and help fill the gap while university places and jobs back home are scarce.”
Gapyear.com founder Tom Griffiths agrees.
He said: “Marine-biology applicants will stand out with project work from the Great Barrier Reef on their CV.
“Veterinary science applicants can demonstrate a focused interest with stints at sanctuaries for endangered Australian species.
“Law graduates might benefit from an internship with a law firm in Sydney, and budding geologists may benefit from a stint shadowing senior colleagues on location in the Outback.”
The Backpacker Operators Association of New South Wales is the industry association for professionals and businesses in the backpacker sector in NSW and the ACT (Australian Capital Territory).
It is a not-for-profit organisation with more than 100 members from regional NSW and Sydney.
For more information, see boansw.org.au