Working in Australia – Opportunities, tips for backpackers and job search advice

Regulated professions

Some professions are regulated, i.e. controlled by state and territorial (and sometimes federal) law, and governed by a regulatory body. This means that despite valid foreign credentials and experience, you will have to jump through all sorts of hoops to work in your field. It’s not impossible but getting your degree assessed and recognized or joining a regulatory body is a long and expensive process most WHV holders probably don’t have the time to go through.

You will find below an overview of the main regulated industries and professions. This is not a comprehensive list, so it’s a good idea to check if you need to be registered, accredited or licensed before your trip.

Health professions throughout Australia

Most health professions are regulated, including: chiropractors, dental practitioners (dentists, hygienists, prosthesis), doctors, midwives and nurses (more info here), optometrists, osteopaths, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, Chinese medicine practitioners, radiologists, sonographers, occupational therapists, paramedics, etc.

To work as a health practitioner in Australia, you need to apply for and be registered with the relevant National Boards.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) regulates Australia’s health practitioners in partnership with the National Boards.

Licensed trades

Depending on the state/territory, some trades are required to be licensed by an accredited body or organization. Read “Licensing information” for more details about your trades or check the links below:

• Architects
• Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
• Building surveyor
• Concreters
• Painter
• Plasterer
• Roofer
• Bricklayer
• Carpenter
• Demolisher
• Timber flooring installer
• Guttering installer
• Plumber
• Tiler
• Builder
• Cladding installer
• Electrician
• Gas fitter
• Insulation installer

Other professions

• Teachers must be registered with their local regulatory authorities.
• Legal practitioners generally have to register with their local regulatory body.
• Finance professionals (advisors, auditors, etc.) may have to satisfy a number of licensing requirements and other regulations when conducting public accounting services. Read this document for more info.
• Early childhood teachers are sometimes required under some state and territory legislation to be registered and accredited. Read Early childhood teacher registration and accreditation for more info.
• Engineers must be registered in Queensland. Other states and territories seem to be going this way as well. Engineers Australia provides up-to-date info.