But what is it actually like to work overseas?
We caught up with Austin Rafferty, a freelance Senior Engineer in Melbourne who
was placed by Hill McGlynn Australia on the $70m Princes Freeway project by John
Holland Construction in Victoria to upgrade and widen an existing highway.
We asked Austin what first attracted him to working in Australia. "I decided to come
to Australia as I have always wanted to travel, its easy to get a work permit and
of course the climate."
What work were you expecting to get?
"I was hoping to get work in construction, but wasn’t sure if I would end up fruit
picking! As things worked out, I was on the Internet looking at what was going on
back home and saw that Hill McGlynn had an Australian office. As things worked out,
they got me a very interesting freelance position for five months with the John
Holland Group."
How have you found the Australian Construction Industry?
"I was quite surprised how easy it was to fit in, they think and run their sites
the same way as they do in the UK. I was surprised however to see how strong the
unions are in Victoria and dealing with this has been a very useful experience for
me."
What advise would you pass on to potential travellers?
"Keep an open mind, I’ve liked everything so far and it’s a great place to live.
I’ll be sad to leave, but Hill McGlynn are working with their UK offices to secure
me employment for my return to the UK. "
If you are interested in working in Australia, please email the Hill McGlynn Australia
team at melbourne@randstadcpe.com.au
or alternatively visit their website on www.hillmcglynn.com.au
which also gives useful advice for travelling and working abroad.