Youth Worker wanting to migrate - job/visa prospects in NT?

[jodipodi]

:eek: Hi I've just come here to say hello.... And get any advice on our situation.

After years of planning and hoping for PR VISA we've decided that hubby is going out on a WHV to try and find work, in the aim of getting 'Australian' experience in the Youth Sector at the very least, and hopefully some benefit to getting that state sponsorship. He has a positive skills assessment and our EOI is in just no nomination.

We were initially thinking of Perth for him to go to as he has a friend there but after asking here, it seems NT will be the better option for job opportunities so, he's heading there.

Hes a Youth and community worker with a degree in Youth /Community studies along with a lot of experience in residential Youth work and challenging behaviours, homelessness etc.

He also has experience in what can be described as 'back to work' programmes, where long term unemployed people go to hopefully help them back into employment through skill building, placement sourcing etc.....also some challenging behaviours can be evident here to but with adults rather than Youth.

He loves what he does, and loves to help people and really tries his best to support people with any difficulties they face.

It's going to be EXTREMELY difficult for him, and ridiculously difficult for myself and our kids without him here....I'm going to miss him terribly, we're trying to keep a brave head and think. well.... It's either going to be a temporary effort and then back to the UK if all fails.... Or a pathway to us all getting there... Hopefully we'll be OK.

We don't know a particularly large amount about NT except that it is dry and dusty, hot and humid in wet season, can be isolated, remote, with potential for great community network and apparently lovely for children, and I presume is a beautiful place....however I read it has its problems like anywhere I suppose.

So although we had thought Alice Springs would be ideal for Youth Work, we have decided against it simply to not be putting him right in the most remote area, especially alone and with the issues I've read it has (obviously I don't personally know if this is all correct, im simply trying to try and make the best out of a very hard decision).

I'd love to hear what you would do if it were him....we are thinking Darwin will be a good place to start, less remote than other places etc......is there any ideas on what he can do to keep himself occupied apart from looking for employment there...

We are planning on 6 months to make a good attempt at getting a position.

Any experiences, information, advice from those out there would be absolutely lovely.... Thank you very much xxx

[Sammy1]

:eek: Hi I've just come here to say hello.... And get any advice on our situation.

After years of planning and hoping for PR VISA we've decided that hubby is going out on a WHV to try and find work, in the aim of getting 'Australian' experience in the Youth Sector at the very least, and hopefully some benefit to getting that state sponsorship. He has a positive skills assessment and our EOI is in just no nomination.

We were initially thinking of Perth for him to go to as he has a friend there but after asking here, it seems NT will be the better option for job opportunities so, he's heading there.

Hes a Youth and community worker with a degree in Youth /Community studies along with a lot of experience in residential Youth work and challenging behaviours, homelessness etc.

He also has experience in what can be described as 'back to work' programmes, where long term unemployed people go to hopefully help them back into employment through skill building, placement sourcing etc.....also some challenging behaviours can be evident here to but with adults rather than Youth.

He loves what he does, and loves to help people and really tries his best to support people with any difficulties they face.

It's going to be EXTREMELY difficult for him, and ridiculously difficult for myself and our kids without him here....I'm going to miss him terribly, we're trying to keep a brave head and think. well.... It's either going to be a temporary effort and then back to the UK if all fails.... Or a pathway to us all getting there... Hopefully we'll be OK.

We don't know a particularly large amount about NT except that it is dry and dusty, hot and humid in wet season, can be isolated, remote, with potential for great community network and apparently lovely for children, and I presume is a beautiful place....however I read it has its problems like anywhere I suppose.

So although we had thought Alice Springs would be ideal for Youth Work, we have decided against it simply to not be putting him right in the most remote area, especially alone and with the issues I've read it has (obviously I don't personally know if this is all correct, im simply trying to try and make the best out of a very hard decision).

I'd love to hear what you would do if it were him....we are thinking Darwin will be a good place to start, less remote than other places etc......is there any ideas on what he can do to keep himself occupied apart from looking for employment there...

We are planning on 6 months to make a good attempt at getting a position.

Any experiences, information, advice from those out there would be absolutely lovely.... Thank you very much xxx

 

I recommend that he still checks out Alice Springs, if anywhere is going to get him a foot in the door, it will be there. However, nothing to stop him flying down from Darwin to check it out. It's great he has the degree, most entry youth positions only require a certificate. The team leader roles often ask for a degree and the right to work in Australia.

 

Hope it all works out for you.

[jodipodi]

Do you really think so Sammy?!

I think I'm just thinking my God....he'll be really alone and in the middle of the most remote area.... I see so many people on here go on about how isolated it is 'ooohh are you sure, have you really thought about it properly, the crime rate is massive etc etc etc'

Don't want to be blasé about it....That's why I sat and thought oh it must be extreme....better take notice.

I'll worry like mad wherever he is.....sorry, I can't remember if you've said already....have you been to Alice? Would love to hear more about it for sure. If he was offered a job there it would be different, he wouldn't refuse work xx

[ScotsQuine]

Hubby and I spent a week in Alice Springs earlier this year and we both agreed that we could easily live there!

It has all the big name stores and lots of other unusual ones too. We never saw any crime, but then we were only there for one week. There were police standing outside the bottle shops to make sure some locals couldn't buy any grog. But it is somewhere that we will definitely visit again!

I wouldnt really call it 'Remote' as such because there is nothing that you couldn't buy/find in the town. Remote to me (being Scottish) is having to drive for hours to get to a decent town to purchase items. We drove to Alice from Perth, and enroute, we passed through some 'Real remote' towns!!

[jodipodi]

Well that's a positive thing to hear then, I have to be honest, we don't venture far at the moment anyway as we have all we need on our doorstep when it comes to shops and stuff to do on a day to day basis, I just want something different and sun....I always feel better when the suns out and everything that's free to do as a family is more accessible in the sun.... Beach, parks, picnics, walks.....I'm not looking for a fabulously different amazing life changing wonderland... More like same sh*te.... Sunnier situation..... We find some things a struggle here, and hubby's job is very underpaid here, salary is more than double...almost treble in Oz.... Although will be needed with the cost of living there, we still feel we'll be better off there.

I'm just scared of flinging him in the middle of this crime riddled place full of alcoholics, knife weilding maniacs and miles of baron land.....That's what I imagine from some posts haha...

He says he's willing to go anywhere but I don't want to make anything harder for him xx

[Bungo]

I know I was one of the people that first mentioned NT to you. I just wanted to clarify one of my reasons for doing so and that was because one of the avenues might be getting a state sponsored PR visa if he does manage to find work on the WHV. I didnt ever mean to claim that there were loads of jobs there, I just don't know either way, but it does have its share of social issues so I think there is a good chance.

 

I have only visited Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, but I think it would be quite an adventure to live there for a short while, I don't think I would forever, but definitely I would be up for the adventure. I think hubby basing himself in Darwin upon arrival is a good idea.

 

Good luck to you all.

[jodipodi]

I know you don't mean there's loads of jobs Bungo, but on looking I believe there's a bloody good chance of there being more available there than Perth....as you say the social issues would have you believe they'd bring more need for Youth Workers)/Community workers.

Thanks for everyone's help, its all appreciated xx

[jodipodi]

Just for comparison.... Hubby was on minimum wage in UK before this most recent job, now on about £17k.....pittance but we manage OK to be honest. We're fed and watered, have a car, don't own our house but I don't care... Enjoy the simple things with the kids....We're alright so to speak.

In Oz the average salary for him would be between 45-65k top end.... That's considerably more even taking into account living costs.....I'm sure there's plenty aussies living on that wage. I've heard it said it's a rubbish wage but people including us say his UK wage is rubbish too....but we manage.

Depending on when we go...if we get there....I'll have my nail tech business to set up....or I'll have finished uni with my biomed degree.... So both will bring a second income....nails is a good earner believe it or not.

God I'm selling a good story here aren't I haha.....but you never know til you try.....

He might be lucky enough to be offered something in Alice before we get there....never know..... God this is scary....

[Sammy1]

I know you don't mean there's loads of jobs Bungo, but on looking I believe there's a bloody good chance of there being more available there than Perth....as you say the social issues would have you believe they'd bring more need for Youth Workers)/Community workers.

Thanks for everyone's help, its all appreciated xx

 

I lived in the NT for many years and know well Alice very well. If you are looking for an opportunity and for someone to give you a go, then it will be there.

 

It's not somewhere I would recommend to live forever, as it is remote and that is hard after a while - be in no doubt of that.

 

However, it has everything you need there, including an excellent hospital, airport etc. Crime is definitely an issue and it would be wrong to say it is not, however, you soon learn to know the right and wrong places to be.

 

It is a young town and there are many, many young families with children there and it will be easy to make friends. There are lots of social issues for young people, hence the reason your husband's (highly qualified) skills may be sought after.

 

It's worth a look and could be part of a five year plan?

Edited September 15, 2015 by Sammy1

[jodipodi]

Well.....I'll take that from the horses mouth then Sammy.....

So Im taking it as 'just be careful, it's like anywhere else, don't walk about in daft areas at night, stay where you know, be sensible '.

Much like anywhere. Where we live here has its own social issues, different estates have their own problems etc....my hubby has dealt with and actually has a good relationship with a lot of the young people he's met....because he's only too aware of how they live, backgrounds, how easy it is to end up with those issues.

Thank you Sammy... OK, I do feel less intimidated by Alice now....thank you.

Would you know of a good 'area' in Alice to begin looking for a rental? xxx

Edited September 15, 2015 by jodipodi

[jumpingjellybean]

he'll be really alone and in the middle of the most remote area....

 

Alice Springs is remote; as in a long way from other places. The nearest "town" is is about 200km away. But it is not like living in the middle of nowhere "remote" by yourself in the bush.

It is a fairly modern town with all the mod cons and a big tourist area too. It is a service center for the drive from Adelaide to Darwin; so they have to cater for that.

I am sure there are some areas you should avoid but most areas are like that.

The main problem with Alice is drunk Aboriginals fighting with each other. This is a sad social case. But being a youth worker your husband will be quite tolerant and understanding than most.

 

Beautiful surrounds to explore. And having work experience in Alice will look very good on the resume should you move onto the city later.

[jumpingjellybean]

I would also suggest driving or getting a bus (preferably driving yourself) from Darwin to Alice Springs.

 

Yes a plane would be much quicker.

 

But to drive gives you a proper idea of the immense scale of the area.

 

Plus if planned well, there are numerous places to stop en-route. I really liked Litchfield Park, Mataranka Springs, Daly Waters and Devils Marbles. Don't bother with Winston Churchill's Head Rock though!

 

http://www.darwintoalicesprings.com/Darwin-to-Alice-Springs-Stuart-Highway-camper-self-drive-route-travel-guide.htm

[jodipodi]

Anyone help us with what areas to begin looking for apartment rentals in Alice??.... Somewhere that's going to be a good starting point, safe, near enough to amenities etc?

[srh82]

Have you checked out http://www.realestate.com.au?

 

Other option is to just book first few weeks in a backpacker hostel until he finds work?

[jodipodi]

Have you checked out http://www.realestate.com.au?

 

Other option is to just book first few weeks in a backpacker hostel until he finds work?

Hi Srh82..... Ahh yeah we've looked at rentals online but I can't tell if they're in the holes of hell or more the Beverly Hills kinda place haha....it's trying to find out where's a pretty safe place to head really that's the issue.... He won't be staying in a backpacker hostel, needs/wants an apartment /studio from day one xx

[srh82]

Everyone has different standards of course for what they will accept as Beverly Hills haha! ;-) I had a quick look on realestate for Alice and I would be budgeting around $280/week upwards. On top of that your husband will need (at least) 1 month rent up front for the deposit and 1 month rent in advance. I say at least in brackets as the real estate agent might want more financial security if he takes on the lease unemployed.

 

I thougt that that you were looking at a 489 visa so you could go as a family? Is that a non-starter?

 

Good luck

[Sammy1]

Anyone help us with what areas to begin looking for apartment rentals in Alice??.... Somewhere that's going to be a good starting point, safe, near enough to amenities etc?

 

Tell him to stay well clear of The Gap and Larapinta - they are the worst areas. There are cheaper rentals near The Gap, but to be honest, he does not need that kind of hassle.

 

He will be looking at a bare minimum of $300 a week. I would really suggest a house share as he will be single, it means a nicer area and amenities. Alice has everything you need though, it is family orientated and nothing is far because the town itself is so isolated.

Edited November 22, 2015 by Sammy1

[jodipodi]

Thanks a lot everyone. Srh82 we've looked into every possible avenue and from what we can see this is our ONLY option now, we can wait for skills lists to change in our favour but I can't see that happening to be honest.

I feel sick at the thought of him going but it'll always be a 'what if....' if he doesn't try.... But I think if he goes and doesn't find work after 6 months it'll be a line drawn and we will have to seal the box on Oz......hoping this will be a last effort, really have to give it our best shot xx

[jodipodi]

What about Darwin? Areas to steer clear of there?....seems to be a fair few Youth jobs advertised there.

[Marisawright]

What about Darwin? Areas to steer clear of there?....seems to be a fair few Youth jobs advertised there.

 

I don't know a lot about Darwin but I do know the rentals are quite expensive. I used to own an investment property in Palmerston, which is just outside Darwin, and I do know that a lot of young families used to live there and commute to Darwin for work, because it's cheaper, there's a decent school and a major shopping centre.

[anoh]

Hi,

My son was a newly qualified doctor from the UK and arrived 1 year after us in August 2013. He got a post in Alice Springs hospital almost immediately and stayed for 15 months moving to Darwin for promotion. He absolutely loved his time there and joined in with all the events etc that was on offer and made lots of friends and was always busy. He was proactive in making it a priority to be part of the community. I guess that philosophy is one that helps new migrants settle and become established. Yes Alice Springs does have it's problems as does most places. Now he is in Darwin he is enjoying life immensely and can't understand why more people don't want to go there!

Sammy makes a valid point about sharing a house with someone. My son found out which areas were preferable to be in and had the benefit of support and friendship until he found somewhere else he wanted to rent.

[jodipodi]

Where would he find out about house share?

[jodipodi]

Hi all.....after reading this thread I am now really wondering if NT is the place my hubby is most likely to gain employment?!!

Thought it was a good bet??!....http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/northern-territory/241918-racist-work-ethics-nt.html

[Marisawright]

Hi all.....after reading this thread I am now really wondering if NT is the place my hubby is most likely to gain employment?!!

Thought it was a good bet??!....http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/northern-territory/241918-racist-work-ethics-nt.html

 

You're looking at someone unskilled struggling to get a job, and that would be the case anywhere. Your husband is skilled and therefore her situation isn't relevant. I assume you've checked on seek.com.au to see what vacancies are around (or on whatever sites specialise in your oh's area)?

 

It's a good point that obviously, there will always be more work in the bigger city than in a small one. For instance, if an Australian asked you, where would you say there's more chance of finding work - Birmingham or Grimsby? Other Australian capital cities have well over 1 million population each, whereas Darwin has only 120,000 and Alice Springs only 25,000.

 

There's obviously going to be more demand for employees in a big city - but in small places like Darwin or Alice, when there IS a vacancy for a skilled worker there's unlikely to be someone local available.

 

The bigger question for you, surely, is where your oh can get sponsored? Does every state in Australia sponsor his occupation? If not, then he needs to do his WHV in a state that does sponsor, because it's more difficult (and expensive) to get work in one state when you're working in another.

Edited November 24, 2015 by Marisawright

[jodipodi]

My heads telling me to just do it....but inside I'm freaking out.... I need to keep reminding myself that it's perfectly normal and expected to feel anxious about it all. I think if I wasn't there'd be something amiss.

Youth work is scarce in the UK, funding cuts allover for the wrong things.

There are jobs allover on Seek but I guess when I weigh it up, yes... That makes sense - more jobs possibly in large cities but obviously more people to fill them too...whereas I suppose in NT it's likely to be harder to find skilled Youth workers and hopefully more likely to gain sponsorship, although quite possibly still difficult to get that anywhere.