Briefing Note:
Scafwest’s Working Holiday Programme.
Background and Context: Scafwest was established in 1992 and, over the past 19 years, has grown to be recognized as one of Western Australia’s leading and most respected suppliers of specialist scaffolding services to the resources, construction, engineering and commercial building maintenance sectors. Our work is challenging and innovative; and involves pioneering scaffolding solutions for complicated problems and situations. See:
Scaffolding Hire - Scaffolding Perth - ScafWest for further information.
The specialized nature of Scafwest’s work requires that a proportion of our workforce has specialist skills, knowledge, expertise and experience that go beyond standard industry norms. Many of our operators must have an ‘advanced scaffolding’ capability; and we estimate that a minimum of five years ‘tube & fitting’ experience is required to carry out our work to the standards expected by our clients. However, scaffolders with this level of skills, qualifications and experience are in short supply in Western Australia.
Scafwest’s Working Holiday Program: As a result of local skills shortages, Scafwest is always looking to supplement its Australian workforce by recruiting suitably skilled and experienced scaffolders from overseas. The Australian Federal Government’s skilled migration policy does not recognise scaffolding as an approved occupation for long stay (457) visas. However, eligible scaffolders may be able to take advantage of the Working Holiday (417) Visa scheme that grants permission for a one year stay in the country and up to six months paid employment during this twelve month period. To qualify, the desire to work in Australia must be secondary to the main purpose of the visit, which is to enjoy an extended holiday in Australia. Scafwest is keen to use these Working Holiday Visas arrangements to bring skilled scaffolders into Australia and offer them well paid, short term employment.
Benefits to overseas scaffolders… The Program provides a unique opportunity for ambitious scaffolders to broaden your work experience and develop their scaffolding skills in one of the most vibrant and dynamic economies in the World.
Benefits to Scafwest… The Program provides us with access to top scaffolding ‘talent’ that is not readily available in Western Australia as a means to supplement and broaden the skills base of our local workforce.
Australia’s Working Holiday Visas: Broadly, the Working Holiday Visa Scheme was established to encourage young people under the age of 31 to enjoy an extended holiday in Australia; whilst supplementing their funds with short-term employment. To qualify, you must:
- Hold a passport issued by an eligible country (Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom).
- Be aged 18 -30 (inclusive) at the time of applying
- Not be accompanied by dependent children at any time during the intended stay in Australia
- Meet health, character and financial requirements
- Not have previously entered Australia on a Working or Holiday Visa
- Be outside Australia when applying for, and being granted a Working Holiday Visa, and
- Apply within 12 months of your intended travel to Australia.
A Working Holiday (417) Visa allows a visa holder to: -
i. Enter Australia at any time in the twelve months after the date the visa is granted
ii. Stay in Australia for a maximum of twelve months
iii. Leave and re-enter Australia any number of times whilst the visa is valid, and
iv. Work in Australia for a maximum of six months during the twelve month stay.
Next steps, if you are interested in short-term employment with Scafwest:
Step One: If you have an advanced scaffolding ticket and at least five years scaffolding experience, send your resume and a brief covering letter to:
admin@scafwest.com Your application should include two trade references. We promise to come back to you within ten working days with confirmation (or otherwise) that you meet our broad recruitment criteria.
Step Two: Once approved by Scafwest, you will need to apply for your own Working Holiday (Subclass 417) Visa. Please note that the Company cannot do this on your behalf. This visa will cost Australian $235. To apply, go to:
Working Holiday – Online Applications You can either download a visa form or apply on-line. Completing the application will take a maximum of 30 minutes. On-line visa applications are processed quicker than paper applications.
Step Three: Notify ScafWest (admin@scafwest.com) once you’re Working Holiday Visa application has been approved by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. At this point, your name will be included in our directory of available scaffolders and we will notify you as soon as suitable employment is available. We anticipate that this will be within a maximum timeframe of three months from visa approval. Please note that we may need you to travel to Australia at very short notice; perhaps, one week. In effect, we need you to be on ‘standby’ in your home country once your visa has been issued.
Step Four: You will be expected to make your own travel arrangements to Perth, Western Australia. On arrival, we will meet you at Perth Airport and take you to local accommodation. Scafwest will cover the cost of an initial seven nights ‘back packers’ accommodation. Thereafter, you will need to find and pay for your own accommodation. You will be expected to start work with Scafwest immediately. Payment will be at the same hourly rate and general terms as local Australian scaffolders with similar qualifications and experience. These terms will be clarified with you in advance of your departure to Australia but, as an indication, Scafwest pays its scaffolders between $30 and $35 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.
Step Five: It is anticipated that you will work for Scafwest for the full period allowable under a Working Holiday Visa i.e. 26 weeks. On commencement of employment, the Company will ensure that you receive all the necessary training and approvals required to work on an Australian work site. This will be done within the first two weeks of employment.
Step Six: On completion of 26 weeks with Scafwest, you will no longer be allowed to work in Australia under the terms of your visa. However, you are permitted to remain in the country on holiday for a further six months. At this point, and provided that you have worked for a full 26 weeks at Scafwest, we will refund your visa fee ($235) and the cost of international travel up to a maximum of Aus. $2,000.
It is important to be aware that Australian Working Holiday Visas are for a fixed term of twelve months. Applicants should not have expectations of remaining in the country beyond this period. However, in exceptional circumstances, a second Working Holiday visa may be granted to applicants that have worked for at least 88 days in regional areas (i.e. outside a major Metropolitan area). Scafwest hopes that experienced scaffolders will consider their Working Holiday Visa Programme as a unique and enjoyable career and lifestyle opportunity that will contribute significantly to professional development and employability.
