Want to work while you study? Are you planning to launch your career in Australia after graduation? Either way, you’ll have a range of opportunities available to you in regional Western Australia (WA).
There has never been a better time to study! Apply now to take advantage of the WA Regional TAFE International Student Bursary 2023–2024. Eligible students receive AUD$5,000, employment and accommodation support and a genuine Australian life experience. The Coordinator Business Partnerships and International at our regional colleges are available to assist with finding employment and accommodation.
Not only does regional WA offer a laidback lifestyle and breathtaking natural beauty, but it has a thriving job market(opens in a new tab). Its industries are diverse, and the WA Government is supporting regional WA, with hundreds of millions of dollars being invested to grow and diversify regional economies(opens in a new tab). This will create unique opportunities for international students who choose to study here.
Wondering where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Here’s your guide to the best work opportunities for international students in regional WA, and how TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) can help you reach your career goals.
Work while you study: Part time work opportunities
In regional WA, you’ll find a range of employers offering part time jobs so you can earn some cash during your studies. The types of jobs you might be interested in include:
Tourism and hospitality jobs
A casual job in the tourism and hospitality industry can be a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and insight into the industry. You can learn customer service and communication skills, as well as learn how to work as part of a team.
Additionally, casual tourism and hospitality jobs can be incredibly rewarding. People in the tourism and hospitality industry often get to meet interesting people from all over the world and help them have an amazing experience. They also get to explore the local area and learn about the culture and attractions.
WA is home to vibrant tourism and hospitality industries(opens in a new tab). In 2020, the state welcomed a total of 9 million visitors(opens in a new tab). Total tourism activities contributed $12.2 billion to the economy!
Many areas in regional WA standout in these sectors. For example, Broome(opens in a new tab) is a charming town that acts as a gateway to the Kimberley. The Kimberley is one of the world’s last remaining wilderness areas(opens in a new tab), meaning it attracts tourists from near and far.
Geraldton(opens in a new tab) is another gem that’s popular among tourists. This coastal region is home to the incredible history, art and culture of the Yamaji People and iconic pink lakes.
As an international student studying hospitality, or cookery at any of TIWA’s regional campuses, a part time job in this sector can be a great way to build your resume and gain additional work experience outside of your studies.
Some examples of job roles include:
- food and beverage attendants (e.g. bartenders, servers);
- baristas;
- tour guides; and
- guest service agents.
If you’re studying in these regions, you can chat to your international coordinator on your job search. You can also contact the North Regional(opens in a new tab), South Regional(opens in a new tab) or Central Regional(opens in a new tab) TAFE WA Jobs and Skills Centres for help finding work, or getting your resume ready for finding jobs in hospitality and tourism.
Retail jobs
A retail job offers many benefits. You’ll gain valuable customer service and sales experience, which can help you develop a great foundation for any career. You will also become familiar with the products and services offered by the company, giving you a better understanding of the retail industry.
Finally, you‘ll have the opportunity to meet and interact with many different types of people, giving you the chance to build your communication and interpersonal skills.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, WA’s retail sales performance(opens in a new tab) has been the best in Australia. There has even been a 33.6 per cent gain since January 2020! So, it’s unsurprising that retail jobs are popular across the state, including in regional areas.
Many roles in this sector are part time or casual, making them excellent options for international students. This means you can schedule your work hours around classes and other deadlines.
Job roles can include:
- sales clerk/retail assistant;
- cashier;
- retail manager; and
- customer service representative.
Agricultural jobs
Western Australia is a world-renowned for its agricultural sector. The future of the agricultural industry is also very promising. For example, the state’s winter crop production is forecast to reach a record high of 23.8 million tonnes in 2022–23(opens in a new tab).
Working a casual agricultural job can be a great way to get out into the sunshine and enjoy the fresh air, but also and sunshine and make some extra money. Not only will you get the satisfaction of helping local farmers and growers, but you may also get to work with a variety of animals and crops.
You could have the chance to learn about different growing practices and gain valuable experience in the agricultural industry, while also getting to meet others in the community who share a similar passion for the land.
The future of the agricultural industry is also very promising. For example, the state’s winter crop production is forecast to reach a record high of 23.8 million tonnes in 2022–23(opens in a new tab).
South West WA(opens in a new tab) is one of Australia’s greatest food bowls. Key regions includes Bunbury(opens in a new tab), Busselton(opens in a new tab) and Margaret River(opens in a new tab) – which are all home to South Regional TAFE WA(opens in a new tab) campuses! One of WA’s biggest agricultural hubs is Albany(opens in a new tab). The city houses government facilities purpose-built for research and development in sheep and cattle health, pasture science, crop agronomy and more.
While you study, you can could work part time in a number of roles. These include:
- farm hand;
- fruit picker;
- fruit packer; and
- machine operator (e.g. tractor driver).
Keep in mind that you may need to gain certain certifications to work in some of these roles. The South Regional TAFE WA Jobs and Skills Centres(opens in a new tab) can support you with your job search while you study in any of these key agricultural areas.
Launch your career in regional WA: Post-graduate work opportunities
Hoping to work in WA’s regions after you graduate? There are many employment opportunities available for international graduates. Key industries include:
Health care and social assistance
In Australia, more people are employed in health care and social assistance(opens in a new tab) than any other sector. Demand for professionals in this field is expected to remain high for years to come.
Working in this field offers you the chance to make a real difference in people's lives and to help improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. You’ll get the opportunity to be part of a vital and rewarding profession, while also developing your own skills and knowledge.
To keep up with the health needs of regional WA communities, the state will need workers in various roles. There are an incredible range of health care and social assistance roles available, but some include:
- registered nurse; and
- aged care workers.
At TIWA, studying a CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support [Ageing] in Albany or Bunbury, or a HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing in Geraldton or Northam are great ways to start your career in health care and social assistance in regional WA.
Infrastructure
WA’s regions are continuing to grow and develop. The 2022 State Infrastructure Strategy(opens in a new tab) outlines the long-term vision and infrastructure plans for these regions. These plans will create jobs across the state.
An infrastructure job in regional WA is a great opportunity to experience a unique lifestyle and work on important projects that have a positive impact on the local community. With a variety of roles available and competitive salaries, it's a great way to start or advance your career in the infrastructure sector.
There are various types of careers within the infrastructure sector. These include:
- various types of engineers (e.g. civil engineers, electrical engineers);
- project and site managers; and
- rail workers.
TIWA’s building, construction and engineering courses are perfect for starting your career in infrastructure.
Resources jobs
Western Australia is known for its strong resources sector. This sector covers the mining, mineral exploration, and onshore petroleum industries. In 2022, the WA Government revealed that employment in the resources sector increased by 6 per cent(opens in a new tab) from the previous financial year. It now sits at a record-breaking 157,700 workers!
A career in the regional WA resources sector is a great opportunity to experience life in one of Australia's most beautiful and diverse regions. Working with some of the world's leading companies, you’ll get to experience the stunning landscapes this region has to offer. With the right skills and experience, you can build a rewarding career, and make a real difference to communities in this region.
If a career in these sectors interests you, then regional WA is the perfect place to start. Study engineering or process plant technology at TIWA and from there you can work in a variety of roles. These include:
- labourer;
- drill offsider;
- process operator;
- truck operator, and more!
Whichever part time or post-graduate career interests you in regional WA, now is an ideal time to consider study at a regional campus.
Studying in regional WA can provide you with a unique opportunity to experience the amazing natural beauty of WA. The Western Australian (WA) Regional TAFE International Student Bursary 2023–2024 gives international students a chance to experience life in regional and remote Australia while receiving high quality education and training. If you’re interested in finding out more, you can contact TIWA for advice(opens in a new tab) on how to navigate your study journey. Apply now!(opens in a new tab)