working holiday

You should be able to get work fairly easy with the way the building industry is at the moment. I did it for about 5 years (1995-2000) and mainly worked in the NWof WA. Did a little in the SW of WA but prefered the NW. Took a basic kit with me as NW work is mainly steel so Nail gus etc were rarely used. Now I would take an impulse (didn't have one then). Used screw guns (Metabo) and cordless drills etc. Basically the same stuff chippies use everywhere. Building materials are different but building principles are th same. As far as contacts for work, you just have to ask around and be prepared to move on as there were a few rip off merchants around but no more than anywhere else.

Thanks very much for that Kevin and AJB. We are heading out from Sydney and have lined up work at Coonabarabran. From there we should be heading up the east coast and then inland. Looking at taking the basic tools and definately the gas gun. AJB, Did you find that most of those that employed you out there were understanding of the fact that you were travelling through and you weren't there for a long period of time?

I did not set out to work and was actually only heading off for about 4 months. I met up with a contractor and life changed from that point. All the people I worked for knew I would not be there forever but I did and do commit to a project and generally see it through. I also give notice of my intentions.If you can say that you'll be there for say 6 weeks then the potential employer can plan for this. Staying longer is better as you get a lot out of small/remote areas. Sometimes things did not work out with a couple of employers but most times they did. That is the same everywhere. Generally if you provide a good service then the employers/contractors are happy to take you on for any period. Initially you have to settle in to their particular methods but building is not brain surgery!
Anyway just get out and do it. You wont regret it and will return a better person with a wealth of experiences and additional knowledge.

obviously a man speaking from experiance.thanks for the advice and i cant wait to get going and give it a go for myself.

thbaks very much for that, we will be looking at the website over the next couple of weeks before we head off - I hope that you and your wife have a good one in 07

thanks for that,working in bush areas is what i want to do as i hunt a little bit so if i can combine the two would be wonderful.

Probably won't be making it to WA until the middle of 07 - carpentry work or any work for that matter shouldn't run out by then should it?
Mick

Expect an even greater shortage throughout 07/08 .

thats good to know