Thousands of Engineers from all over the world have built a satisfying life in Australia. The list of factors that make Australia an attractive destination for Engineers is a long one that includes professional and lifestyle considerations.
The country’s highly developed and dynamic Engineering sector offers diverse career prospects across many industries. With more than half (59%) of Australia’s total Engineering workforce born overseas, according to Engineers Australia, local employers frequently hire talent from various cultural backgrounds.
In this article, we’ll explore why Engineers consider Australia one of the best destinations for work.
High Demand & Pay For Engineers
Australia boasts a thriving Engineering industry, which contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth. A boom in civil infrastructure and energy projects, combined with solid demand for construction, continues to create new Engineering roles in Australia.
But there isn’t enough local talent available to meet the demand for Engineers. Australia has been facing worsening skill shortages in Engineering disciplines, particularly in civil, structural, or mining Engineering areas. Accordingly, ample job opportunities and many Engineering positions come with attractive salary packages.
Here is a sample of average salary ranges for Engineering roles in Australia, according to Seek and PayScale:
- Petroleum Engineer: AU$129,554
- Mechanical Engineer: AU$95,000 to $115,000
- Civil Engineer: AU$90,000 to $110,000
- Structural Engineer: AU$95,000 to $115,000
- Electrical Engineer: AU$105,000 to $125,000
Engaging with an Australian recruitment agency for Engineers can give you access to the most accurate and up-to-date salary information for your specific disciplines and geographical regions.
Immigration and Visa Options
Owing to the ongoing shortage of Engineers locally, Australia offers several immigration pathways for skilled professionals, including visas that enable permanent residence.
A popular visa option for Engineers is the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which allows Engineers to work in Australia without requiring sponsorship from a specific employer. Another option is the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), available to professionals with an occupation on the required skills list.
Respected Engineering Associations and Accreditation
Australia has several prestigious professional associations that provide support and certifications for Engineers and resources for recent graduates and Engineers emigrating to Australia.
Engineers Australia is the peak body for Engineering roles in Australia, which provides accreditation and recognition of qualifications. EA assists overseas Engineers with skills assessment for migration purposes, which can help you prepare for visa applications.
Other organisations include the Association of Professional Engineers, the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia (PESA) and the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA).
Membership in these associations can also enhance your professional networking opportunities and career development once you work as an Engineer in Australia.
Quality of Life
Excellent healthcare, education, public infrastructure and natural landscapes contribute to Australia’s high standard of living. The country is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant cities and outdoor recreational activities, providing professionals and their families with a well-rounded lifestyle.
Whether you seek a fresh experience with a temporary stay in the country or want to settle here, you can find a city or region that suits your lifestyle.
Australia is also a proudly multicultural society, welcoming people from various backgrounds. The Engineering industry reflects this diversity, and professionals can work alongside colleagues from different parts of the world, fostering a global perspective and collaborative work environment.
Research and Innovation Opportunities
Working as an Engineer in Australia can allow you to work on innovative projects and contribute to technological advancements.
Australia has a strong focus on research and development, with numerous universities and research institutions conducting cutting-edge research in Engineering, many in partnership with large organisations.
Technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, data visualisation and analytics are increasingly used in mining, oil & gas and construction Engineering projects. Organisations in these industries are incentivised to develop new technologies and methods that help reduce carbon emissions, leading to a growing adoption of environmentally sustainable technologies.
Your ability to learn and adapt to new technologies as an Engineer can position you well for a long career in Australia.
Work Life Balance
Australians value work-life balance, reflected in the workplace culture and labour laws. Most employees enjoy reasonable working hours, paid leave and benefits that allow them to balance their personal and professional lives.
Depending on the type of role, as an Engineer, you may have access to flexible work options such as flexible working hours, remote work, part-time or job-sharing arrangements, compressed workweeks, and more.
Summary
Working as an Engineer in Australia can be a highly rewarding career move and life change. With strong demand for Engineers nationwide, there are endless opportunities to work on exciting projects with lucrative salaries.
If you’re still trying to decide whether to make the move, the team at Patch Personnel can guide you specific to your needs.
As a premier Australian Engineering recruitment agency, Patch Personnel matches Engineers with overseas experience to a range of Engineering jobs with leading-edge organisations. Contact us today to start your Australian chapter.