Summer jobs in Australia for everyone

A summer job can be more than just a way to earn a little extra cash.

For students working their way through university it can lead to a career after graduation. For baby boomers it can be a great way to top up their super, and earn a bit of spending money while travelling around Australia. At any one time there are from 15,000 to 20,000 fruit picking jobs advertised in Australia.

Backpacker participation is down by 36 per cent. However since the GFC there has been a spike in grey nomads turning to fruit picking, using the Harvest Trail as a way to see Australia, and getting paid to do it.

“Each summer tens of thousands of harvest vacancies are registered on the Federal Government’s Harvest Trail website,” says National Harvest Labour Information Service spokeswoman Mary-Anne Maloney.

“These jobs are diverse and include picking and packing mangoes in the top end of Australia, grape and stonefruit harvesting in the southern states and cherry picking in Tasmania’s Huon Valley.”

SkillsOne.com.au CEO Brian Wexham says for retirees it’s not about the money but the experience.

“They engage with other people, travel, and top up their super,” he says.

“We’ve found some have grandchildren all over Australia and use it as a way to spend quality time with them.”

For students it’s retail and hospitality that are still the most popular summer jobs.

“Retailers always require extra staff during the summer. Some of the big department stores, shopping centres and local councils even look for a Santa, and will provide a comprehensive training program that goes with it,” careers expert Warren Frehse says. “Retailers will expect long and irregular hours, including weekends, as this time of year is the busiest.”

The Retailers Association’s executive director Russell Zimmerman says people looking at retail as just a summer job may be missing out on future opportunities. “You never know where your retail career is going to end up,” he says. “I’ve been in retail for 30 years. I started in a hardware store on Saturday mornings. I worked in my own retail business and now I’m executive director for the Retailers Association.

“The opportunities within the retail industry are varied, and there are some exciting roles that many people don’t even think about before you get involved in the industry.”

Mr Frehse says it’s also important to think outside the box a little. “There are some jobs which will just provide income. But for those in their final year of graduating, the big accounting and consulting professional services firms also offer summer vacation employment with an eye to recruiting some of these full-time when the new year gets started.

“It’s a way to explore different areas and get a taste for professional roles. Openings are available in each capital city.

“Some government agencies such as VicRoads also have summer employment but applications close early. It’s a good idea to forward plan at least a year ahead as competition is keen.”

To find a job, Mr Frehse says the best approach is to check the websites of the big retailers and follow the procedures. “But one of the better methods is to rock up to where you think you would like to work and ask them,” he says. “Have a resume and make an appointment to speak to the owner or manager.”

Another proven method is to use your networks. “Often friends, relatives and neighbours will be able to refer you to someone they know who is hiring,” Mr Frehse says.

“If you are recommended by someone who worked with them and they were reliable, that will go a long way to getting you in the door.”

THE FACTS

• 50% of fruit pickers in 2010-2011 were baby boomers
• Up to 20,000 casual harvest workers are needed in Australia every year
• Seasonal work for backpackers has dropped by 36% since the GFC
• 25% of Australian workers are employed as casuals
• 71 per cent of casual staff have control over the days of the week they work
• A job in retail will pay between $9.88 and $20 an hour
• 54 per cent of baby boomers work in some capacity after retirement

TOP THREE SEASONAL INDUSTRIES
RETAIL
$9.88-$20.01 an hour
Usually pays extra for overtime or late nights and possibly time-and-a-half or double time on weekends and public holidays. Despite a downturn in retail profits, this sector is still the best place to find a summer job.

HOSPITALITY
$9.90-$22.48 an hour
Normally pays extra for working overtime or late nights and possibly time-and-a-half or double time on weekends and public holidays. Bar work, behind or in front of the counter at eateries are the best entry points for summer work. Most TAFE’s hold short courses that prepare you for work as a barista or waiter. To work in a bar you must complete a Responsible Serving of Alcohol course. Visit www.onlinersa.com.au

HARVEST WORK
$10-$27 an hour (can depend on speed)
A great way to work as you travel, the farming industry needs tens of thousands of casual labourers to help pick fruit. To find out more visit contact the National Harvest Labour Information Service on 1800 062 332 or visit www.harvesttrail.gov.au

TRAIL TO VACANCIES
Each summer tens of thousands of harvest vacancies are registered on the Federal Government’s Harvest Trail website