Quantity Surveying/Contract Administration........advice please?

monkeyman · 01-04-2008, 10:47 AM

Hi everyone

I coming over to Oz in 4 weeks and am going to Melbourne first then Brisbane

I'm a Quantity Surveying/Contracts Administrator and have worked for contractors most my working life.

I'm mid 20's, have 6 years experience, HND, BSc & PGDip.

Just looking for some advice on how good the market is for QS work over in Oz? I am under the impression it is in dire need of people to fill jobs? I'm hoping to find a job as soon as i get there and make it permenant after a short initiation period. Anyone in this line of work can offer any pearls of wisdom? Are agencies the best way to go? I have been in contact with one for a while. Which are the most boyant areas of the country? Any advice would be great

Thanks

MM

monkeyman · 10-04-2008, 03:05 PM

oh dear oh dear

Bobcat · 10-04-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyman

oh dear oh dear

Sorry................. can't help you with any relevant info. Hopefully someone will come along soon?

Tweeter

BigLes · 13-04-2008, 07:02 PM

Hi Monkeyman

I'm a QS on the contractors side - so looking to be a contracts administrator in Oz. I'm heading to Sydney.

Had contact with a couple of Oz construction recruitment agencies - which say there are plenty of positions out there - as I was trying to get sponsorship before QS went on the MODL list last July - but not pursued them much as I've applied for a visa now and am waiting to hear - I will get in contact with them when I have a better idea of how soon I can get over there.

The agencies I have been in touch with were anderselite (australian offices) and a company called valuable resources (who are setting up recruitment offices for oz over here soon apparently).

Good luck getting some more info.

Big Les

larchgardens · 13-04-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyman

Hi everyone

I coming over to Oz in 4 weeks and am going to Melbourne first then Brisbane

I'm a Quantity Surveying/Contracts Administrator and have worked for contractors most my working life.

I'm mid 20's, have 6 years experience, HND, BSc & PGDip.

Just looking for some advice on how good the market is for QS work over in Oz? I am under the impression it is in dire need of people to fill jobs? I'm hoping to find a job as soon as i get there and make it permenant after a short initiation period. Anyone in this line of work can offer any pearls of wisdom? Are agencies the best way to go? I have been in contact with one for a while. Which are the most boyant areas of the country? Any advice would be great

Thanks

MM

Hi MM,

Was just wondering how you have found your serach for work in Oz as a QS? I currently work on the PQS side in the UK. My long term plan is to move to Australia, have been doing some research and Brisbane sounds quite a good place.

Eric

monkeyman · 13-04-2008, 09:28 PM

Hi Larch and Big Les

Im leaving for Melbourne in 2 weeks!

I have registered with BBT global and hope to find work in melbourne as a contractors qs as that is my backgroud and what i enjoy the most (even though i have been working for a dispute resolution consultancy for the last 6 months). I have also been applying directly to certain companies

BBT in Melbourne sounds hopeful although i know this is the least likely place in australia i will find work. so im spending 2 weeks there and the im off to Brisbane if i cant find work in melbourne

I have spoke to lots of people with regards to employment in australia and i get the impression that if i cant find work in brisbane then i will never find work in oz! there is so much work there i will be embarassed if i cant find a job! anyway, i will be happy to keep you guys updated and let you know what I learn on my travels if you like???

i leave 27th April .... so wish me luck! Hoping to have some interviews lined up by the time i leave but im putting all my eggs in the BBT basket!!!!

Im not going because there is anything wrong with the UK industry... im just going for the aventure!

How are you guys getting on???? i quickly realised i need to be in oz to meet people.... trying to get sponsored whilst in the uk before you go is difficult!

Monkey man

monkeyman · 13-04-2008, 09:36 PM

by the way.... i just noticed larch that you are from wolverhampton.... i live worcester way and worked for Alfred McAlpine in wolverhampton!

Also Les i have just finished uni in leeds..... did a PGDip at leeds met in construction law and dispute resolution

larchgardens · 13-04-2008, 10:04 PM

Its a small world indeed... are you working for Carillion now after their takeover?

I've only been thinking about moving over the last 4 months so quite early days. Went to the Australian job expo yesterday but didnt get alot out of it as I think most of the information is online...

I was hoping to get sponsored here in the UK, is it quite a difficult option? Guess I was expecting to send my CV out to a few firms and get an offer from there...

From the books I've read Brisbane appears to be the most affordable place to live after Sydney and Melbourne.

Please keep in touch, as it would be good to know at least one QS out there:)

monkeyman · 13-04-2008, 10:21 PM

I worked for McAlpines a few years ago... so im not in the takeover boat now!!!

Im 25 and have 6 years experience...... i quickly realised that people in oz are not going to just take me on a sponsorship when i dont live in oz. If i was 40 with 20 years experience... it may be a different picture???

I have got a Working holiday visa and am going out in two weeks. at least then i can have interviews and can literally start working for someone the next day if they want me too with a view to getting a 457 eventually. I have no kids or OH so am free to just give it a whirl!

I have no idea whats going to happen

I just know that im going to melbourne first then brisbane. Hoping that BBT will have interivews for me to attend when i get there. Should know by the end of this week

If i cant find work at all....... ill be back in 6 weeks with my tail between my legs!

MM

monkeyman · 13-04-2008, 10:25 PM

by the way .... i went to the expo in london in nov 07 and went to the leeds one last week

I didt get much out of them either... except the BBT contact. There is nothing there you cant get from the internet!!!!! although, for £15 I guess its good just to have a walk round and chat with few people

I have had an interview with Baulderstone Hornibrook who are there but i kind of get the impression they interview lots and lots of people from the expo and my chances are slim!

keep in touch anyway... Ill know alot more in about 3 weeks time!!!!!!!

MM