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Seeking Career Advice and Job Opportunities in Australia
Hello,
I’ve just completed my Masters Degree in the UK in Mechanical Engineering (July 2024), and i’m looking to start a career in Australia, ideally (but not exclusively) in the mining or construction industry. I currently don’t have any experience in the engineering industry, as most of my professional experience comes in the sales sector.
Initially upon entering the country I would be on a working holiday visa, but of course looking to extend on that once in a secure professional role.
I was just wondering how likely am I to find a graduate engineering role (FIFO included) with the qualifications and visa type that I have? Do you have any advice on how i should approach finding a job in this industry in Australia?
Thank you for your help – Josh
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1 Reply
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Welcome to our community Josh! Thanks for introducing yourself and sharing your journe. Congrats also on completing your Masters in Mechanical Engineering. 👍🏻
Starting out on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) is a great way to enter Australia and explore job opportunities, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Most graduate engineering roles, particularly FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) positions in mining or construction, generally require either full work rights or employer sponsorship, which isn’t typically offered to candidates on a Working Holiday Visa.
That said, it’s not impossible—just a lot more competitive.
Your best bet is to focus on connecting with employers or recruiters who are working with companies open to sponsoring under the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa.
Mechanical Engineer roles (ANZSCO 233512) are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means they are eligible for both temporary and permanent skilled visa options, including 482, 186, and 189 pathways.
Here are a few tips to get started:
1. Start searching for sponsorship jobs on https://482jobs.com—this is one of our websites, and every job listed includes confirmed visa sponsorship.
2. Use mainstream platforms like https://seek.com.au and https://indeed.com.au and filter for “visa sponsorship” or “482 visa.”
3. Being from the UK, the differences are that great, however make sure you tailor your resume to Australian standards.
Check out this guide for help: Australia Resume Tips: Craft a Winning Resume in Australia – https://482jobs.com/australia-resume-tips-craft-winning-resume/
4. Upload your resume to https://482jobs.com/candidates/submit-resume/ so Aussie recruiters looking for mechanical engineers can find you directly.
5. Optimise your LinkedIn profile to help attract recruiters. This article can help: 15 Expert Tips to Get Noticed by Australian Recruiters on LinkedIn – https://482jobs.com/15-expert-tips-to-get-noticed-by-australian-recruiters-on-linkedin/
Although your sales background isn’t directly in engineering, highlighting transferable skills—communication, client relations, and technical knowledge in your resume can still be valuable in entry-level engineering roles.
I hope you found this info useful Josh. If you have more questions about your visa or job search, feel free to post again. 👍🏻
All the best
Mark
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